Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment inaugurated in Hanle, Ladakh

Asia's biggest imaging Cherenkov telescope, the Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE), was inaugurated at an amazing height of around 4,300 meters in Hanle, Ladakh. This is a significant advancement in India's capacity to investigate cosmic rays, which are high-energy particles from space, and was created by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in cooperation with a number of Indian companies.

MACE Observatory Overview

• MACE captures Cherenkov radiation from gamma rays, a form of high-energy radiation from space.
• Hanle, chosen for MACE due to its clear skies, minimal light pollution, and high altitude, offers ideal conditions for detecting faint gamma ray signals.
• The success of MACE could lead to more telescope installations and international collaborations.
• MACE is the world's highest atmospheric Cherenkov telescope, measuring 21 meters in diameter and 175 tonnes.
• Its reflector is 356 square meters, made up of 1,424 diamond-turned metallic mirrors.
• The telescope is equipped with 712 actuators, 1,088 photo-multiplier tubes, and 68 camera modules.
• Advanced electronics help MACE gather and process light signals from space.