The Indian Astronomical Observatory/Hanle Observatory

The Indian Astronomical Observatory/Hanle Observatory

Located at an altitude of 4,500 meters (14,764 feet) above sea level, in Hanle (in Leh), the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) is one of the world's highest observatories. Nestled in the cold desert of the Himalayas, the observatory offers some of the clearest skies for astronomical observations, making it a key site for studying the stars, planets, and other celestial bodies. The observatory is equipped with an advanced 2-meter optical-infrared telescope and a gamma-ray telescope, among other instruments. It was established in 2001 by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics to provide an ideal location for studying the universe due to its high altitude and dry atmosphere, which reduce atmospheric interference. Ladakh’s remote location and sparse population mean there is minimal light pollution, offering an uninterrupted view of the night sky. The region's clear skies are so ideal for astronomy that the IAO is one of the few observatories globally where astronomers can observe celestial events almost year-round. One interesting fact about the observatory is that it played a crucial role in the Chandrayaan-2 mission by helping to track the spacecraft as it travelled to the Moon. The observatory also contributes significantly to global astronomical research, collaborating with scientists worldwide.