MACE Observatory

About MACE Observatory

It is the highest and largest imaging Cherenkov telescope in the world located at an altitude of almost 4,300 metres.
It is built indigenously by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) & Electronics Corporation of India Ltd (ECIL).

Why Hanle?

Hanle is like heaven for gamma-ray astronomers with its dark skies, low humidity and almost no air pollution.
The longitudinal advantage of its location enables MACE to observe sources invisible to other parts of the world.
Hanley Dark Sky Reserve is India’s first dark sky reserve. It is situated in the Changthang Plateau (Ladakh). It is operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.

Study of High-Energy Gamma Rays:
- MACE aims to observe high-energy gamma rays from some of the most energetic events in the universe, such as: Supernovae, Black Holes &Gamma-Ray Bursts.
- This capability will significantly enhance understanding of the life cycles of stars and the dynamics of supermassive black holes.
Exploration of Dark Matter:
- MACE will contribute to ongoing efforts to detect and understand dark matter, a mysterious substance that is believed to constitute a significant portion of the universe’s mass.
Multi-Messenger Astronomy:
- By observing high-energy gamma rays, MACE will complement existing observatories worldwide, strengthening India’s role in multi-messenger astronomy.
Unexplored Energy Regions:
- MACE aims to study gamma-ray sources in the 20 – 100 GeV energy range and beyond. This focus on higher energy levels is crucial for advancing knowledge in astrophysics and cosmic-ray research.
Global Scientific Community Engagement:
- Mace will foster international collaborations, positioning India as a key player in global space research.

Related Terms

Gamma Rays: Gamma rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, similar to visible light but with much higher energy. They help scientists understand extreme phenomena in the universe, like supernovae (exploding stars) and black holes.
Cherenkov Telescope: It is a telescope that detects gamma rays using the faint light emitted by charged particles in particle showers. The light is called Cherenkov radiation, which is created when charged particles move at high speeds in a medium.
High-Energy Range (20 – 100 GeV): giga-electron volt (GeV) is a unit of energy used in particle physics. One GeV equals one billion electron volts.
Astrophysics: Branch of astronomy that deals with the physical properties and behaviour of celestial bodies.
Multi-Messenger Astronomy: It is an approach that combines information from different types of astronomical signals (like light, gravitational waves, and neutrinos) to get a fuller picture of cosmic events.