Chile Opens World’s Highest Observatory

The University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory (TAO) officially opened after 26 years of planning and construction. Located in the Atacama Desert in Chile, the 6.5-meter optical-infrared TAO telescope is now the highest in the world, situated 18,500 feet high on Mount Chajnantor. TAO replaces MiniTAO, the former highest telescope, and surpasses the Chacaltaya Observatory in Bolivia.

Due to its high altitude, TAO benefits from minimal moisture in the air, allowing it to observe a wide range of near-infrared wavelengths. This capability sets TAO apart from other earthbound telescopes and enables it to take high-resolution images of space. The University of Tokyo plans to use TAO to study the birth of galaxies and the origin of planets starting in 2025.

Additionally, TAO may complement observations from the nearby ALMA telescope by providing researchers with new insights on the same celestial objects viewed in different wavelengths. However, the extreme altitude where TAO is located poses challenges for human occupants. Builders working on the telescope required medical checkups and had to regularly inhale oxygen while working.

Despite the challenges, TAO’s opening marks a significant milestone in astronomical research, and it promises to expand our understanding of the universe in the years to come.