India is Set to Get Two New Telescopes
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: IE
Subject: Science and Technology
Context: The Union Budget 2026 has approved two new major telescopes and the upgrade of an existing facility in Ladakh, strengthening India’s global position in observational astronomy.
About India is Set to Get Two New Telescopes:
• India will establish two advanced ground-based astronomical observatories in Ladakh to study the Sun and the deep universe, alongside upgrading the existing Himalayan Chandra Telescope.
• These facilities aim to enhance India’s capabilities in heliophysics, exoplanet research, stellar evolution, and cosmology, leveraging Ladakh’s high altitude, dry climate, and dark skies.
About National Large Solar Telescope (NLST):
What It Is?
• The National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) is a 2-metre aperture ground-based solar telescope that will observe the Sun in visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It will be located in the Merak region near Pangong Tso in Ladakh.
Key Features:
• 2-Metre Aperture Solar Telescope: Designed specifically for high-resolution solar observations.
• Visible & Near-Infrared Observation: Enables study of solar magnetism and dynamic processes.
• High-Altitude Location: Reduced atmospheric distortion enhances image clarity.
• India’s Third Ground-Based Solar Observatory: After Kodaikanal and Udaipur observatories.
• Synergy with Space Missions: Will complement data from Aditya-L1.
Significance:
• Strengthens India’s leadership in heliophysics and space weather prediction.
• Helps monitor solar flares and coronal mass ejections affecting satellites and power grids.
About National Large Optical–Near Infrared Telescope (NLOT):
What It Is?
• The National Large Optical–Near Infrared Telescope (NLOT) will be a 13.7-metre segmented-mirror telescope built in Hanle, Ladakh, making it one of the largest optical-infrared telescopes in the world.
Key Features:
• 13.7-Metre Segmented Primary Mirror: Comprising 90 hexagonal mirror segments working as one large mirror.
• Optical & Near-Infrared Capability: Ideal for deep-space and faint-object observations.
• High-Altitude, Dry Climate Advantage: Minimal atmospheric diffraction ensures superior data quality.
• Global Collaboration Experience: Builds on India’s participation in the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT).
• Frontier Science Potential: Enables research on exoplanets, supernovae, galaxy formation, and origins of the universe.
Significance:
• Positions India among leading nations in large-aperture astronomy.
• Improves access to telescope observation time for Indian scientists.
• Supports Global South leadership in astrophysical research.