Nestled at an impressive altitude of 4,300 meters in Hanle, Ladakh, India’s new Gamma-ray telescope, the Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE), marks a significant leap in the search for dark matter and dark energy. Currently humanity understands only about 5% of the universe, with the remaining 95% largely a mystery, comprising 24% dark matter and 71% dark energy. India is now contributing to this search with cutting-edge technology that allows scientists to investigate these cosmic enigmas.
MACE, developed indigenously by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and inaugurated on October 4, is not only the largest telescope in Asia but also the highest in the world. The telescope features a 21-meter diameter, weighs 180 tonnes, and is equipped with 356 mirror panels. With a high-resolution, 1,200 kg camera, this observatory is set to track gamma rays emitted from phenomena such as black holes and exploding stars, enhancing our understanding of the universe’s origins and dark matter.
Dr. A.K. Mohanty, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, explained that if dark matter is present in galaxies, it could produce gamma rays through annihilation, which MACE aims to detect. Additionally, the telescope will help study high-energy phenomena near black holes, which emit gamma rays through jets a critical area of research.
This ambitious project adds to India’s growing astronomical infrastructure. Since 2017, India has also operated an underground dark matter lab in Jharkhand’s Jadugoda, located 550 meters below the Earth’s surface, to further the study of this elusive matter. Dr. Mohanty emphasizes that India’s scientific facilities are now on par with global standards, offering invaluable data and insights to the international scientific community.
The MACE telescope, a joint effort with support from the Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) and other Indian partners, is a tribute to India’s longstanding tradition in cosmic-ray research, pioneered by Dr. Homi J. Bhabha. This achievement establishes India as a leader in the field of high-energy astronomy and cosmic research, opening new windows into the mysteries of the cosmos.
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