The biggest telescope on the planet to be installed at the highest observatory in the world at Hanle, Leh, has been proof assembled by public sector undertaking, Electronics
Corporation of India Limited (ECIL), Hyderabad. The testing stage is expected to be finished by December. Bhaba Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is also said to taking part in the testing.
The telescope is meant to study the gamma rays emitted in the universe. The study would include deep space, stars and galaxies. BARC is going conduct Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (Mace) and for this, ECIL was to look the making. The estimated cost of the telescope is Rs 50 crore. It will be taken to the site in next summer as it is not possible to take it before due to blockage of roads because of snow in Ladakh area.
The telescope is much, bigger than the High Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS) project in Namibia, and the Magic Telescope, a European experiment on the Canary Island of La Palma in Spain. Both of these two also are engaged in study of the galaxy. It weighs 180 tonnes with a 21 metre diameter. The telescope is to be to be commissioned at a height of 4200 metres is to be powered by solar power.
Source: TOI