The Atacama Observatory of the University of Tokyo has recently opened in the Andes. It is located at an altitude of 5640 meters above sea level, making it the highest astronomical observation point in the world, according to Space.com.
The construction of the observatory lasted a whole 18 years — the first stone in the foundation of the future astronomers’ building was laid back in 2006.
Scientists plan to use the observatory to study the evolution of galaxies in the early universe. The main instrument for observations and research will be a 6.5-meter diameter mirror.
The TAO is located on the summit of Mount Cerro Chajnantor in the Atacama, whose name means “place of departure” in the now extinct Kunza language of the indigenous Lickan Antay community.
The high altitude of the region, the sparse atmosphere, and the consistently dry climate are deadly for humans but make an excellent location for infrared telescopes like TAO, as the accuracy of their observations depends on the low humidity level, which makes Earth’s atmosphere transparent in the infrared range.
