Himalayan Chandra Telescope (Indian Astronomical Observatory, Hanle)

Abstract

Indian Astronomical Observatory's 2-m aperture Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT) is the world's highest optical-infrared telescope situated at an altitude of 4500 m (15000 ft) above sea level in Hanle, Ladakh, Indian Himalayas. It is powered fully by solar photovoltaic arrays and is operated remotely from its control center at Bangalore, India.<br>100 Hours of Astronomy, 2-5 April brought over 100 countries together in a planet-wide celebration of astronomy. The world visited 80 professional observatories around the world during a 24-hour live online tour, and more than a million people had their first close-up views of the Moon, Saturn, the Sun and other objects of interest through telescopes. A Cornerstone Project of the International Year of Astronomy brought the Universe to all the world's citizens to discover for themselves. Himalayan Chandra Telescope was a partner of this global event that took place on 3-4 April 2009.