Exhibits
Borosilicate glass used for the primary mirror of the TAO telescope and a model of the TAO telescope
The University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory (TAO) Project is a project to construct and operate a 6.5m optical-infrared telescope on the summit of Cerro Chajnantor, at an altitude of 5,640 m (18,500 ft) in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. It is recognized by Guinness World Records as the highest observatory in the world.
The TAO Project not only conducts cutting-edge research in astronomy and astrophysics covering a wide range from the solar system to the distant universe but also has a major goal of training the next generation of researchers at universities with an emphasis on fostering young researchers in both instrument development and observational research. The project also demonstrates Japan's leadership by enhancing its competitiveness and outreach.
In April 2024, a ceremony was held in Santiago, the capital of Chile, to celebrate the completion of the TAO telescope site. To celebrate the occasion, the University of Arizona, which commissioned the design and manufacture of the primary mirror, gifted a piece of borosilicate glass (by OHARA Inc.), a splinter of which is now on display in this gallery. Made of borosilicate glass, the 6.5m primary mirror’s “beehive structure” of hexagonal cells was built to reduce weight while maintaining its strength, inspired by honeybee hives. Please check it out together with the model of the TAO telescope.
The 6.5m primary mirror of the TAO telescope after completion. Prof. Yuzuru Yoshii, the principal investigator of the TAO Project is in the middle. Prof. Peter Strittmatter (The University of Arizona), the director responsible for the production of the primary mirror is on his left, and Prof. Buell Jannuzi (The University of Arizona), the director of Steward Observatory is on his right. This photograph was taken at the Mirror Lab. The University of Arizona, with the many engineers dedicated to the production of the primary mirror of the TAO telescope.
The summit facility of the University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory (TAO) completed on the summit of Cerro Chajnantor. The enclosure building on the right protects the TAO telescope from the harsh natural environment. The top of the enclosure rotates horizontally, and the celestial objects are observed through opening and closing doors (slits). The building on the left is the operation building with a facility to perform observations and maintenance tasks in. The 6.5m primary mirror is cleaned and coated on the second floor where a facility for mirror coating is installed.
TAO is located on the summit of Cerro Chajnantor (5,640m). At this altitude, the low water vapor makes it possible to observe infrared lights difficult to observe at other observatories.
Credit of all pictures in this page: the University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory (TAO) project
https://www.ioa.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/TAO/en/
Responsibility for wording of the article
The University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory (TAO) Project, 2025