UPSC Prelims 2002 Q90: Science & Technology – Space Technology & Astronomy
The world's highest ground - based telescopic observatory is located in
- (a) Colombia
- (b) India
- (c) Nepal
- (d) Switzerland
Answer: (b) India
Explanation
World's highest ground-based telescopic observatory
| Observatory | Location |
|---|---|
| Indian Astronomical Observatory, Hanle | Ladakh, India, at 4,500 m; the world's highest optical telescope site |
| Colombia | No high-altitude telescope of that class |
| Nepal | Not the site of such an observatory |
| Switzerland | Jungfraujoch has high observatories, but lower than Hanle |
The Indian Astronomical Observatory at Hanle in Ladakh, at about 4,500 m above sea level, is the world's highest ground-based optical telescope site. It houses the 2-m Himalayan Chandra Telescope, run by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.
Answer: (b) India.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Colombia has no such highest observatory.
- (b) CORRECT. Hanle in Ladakh is the highest.
- (c) Incorrect. Nepal has no such observatory.
- (d) Incorrect. Swiss sites such as Jungfraujoch are lower.
Key point
Hanle: dark skies, cold dry air, 4,500 m; 2-m Himalayan Chandra Telescope (2000).
Remember
Hanle (Ladakh) hosts the world's highest ground-based optical telescope.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Switzerland for its alpine observatories.
- Choosing Nepal because of the Himalayas.
- Forgetting that Ladakh is part of India.
Exam tip
Hanle in Ladakh is the answer to any 'highest observatory' question.
Sources
- Indian Institute of Astrophysics — Hanle
- Department of Science and Technology, Government of India — Annual Report 2000–01 (Indian Astronomical Observatory, Hanle)