Asean's Largest Observatory To Be Unveiled In Chiang Mai

[webfact]

ASEAN's largest observatory to be unveiled in Chiang Mai

BANGKOK, 15 January 2013 (NNT) - ASEAN’s largest observatory is set to be unveiled in Chiang Mai Province on January 22nd, 2013.

The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) will, on January 22nd, introduce the largest observatory in the ASEAN region. It is located in Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai Province. According to the NARIT, it will be Thailand's first national observatory. It is equipped with a telescope 2.4 meters in diameter. The National Observatory will also boast the latest astronomical technology in the ASEAN region.

The NARIT said this would be a step forward for Thai astronomy as the observatory would be a learning source and a research center for teachers and students; more importantly, it will provide an inspiration for Thai youngsters who have passions for science and technology.

The new observatory is located at an altitude of 2,450 meters above mean sea level, with a spectacular visibility. Researches can be conducted in the observatory for up to 200 nights a year as it is placed near the earth’s equator, which provides the views of both the northern and the southern hemispheric skies.

The opening ceremony of the new observatory will take place on January 22nd. 2013.

-- NNT 2013-01-15

[cloudhopper]

Outstanding!

[edwinchester]

I would be interested to know how much the imagery collected is affected by the burning season.

[laislica]

I visited just before Christmas, it's a fantastic location.

[philw]

Outstanding!

Fully agree, a good thing for Thailand and Chiangmai.

Great stuff.

[Payboy]

as it is placed near the earth’s equator

They're moving the Equator up to Chiang Mai !

[BlueSmurf]

Be more useful if they aimed it downwords to identify who is lighting those fires.. But its a good thing for Chiang Mai to have and will keep the discussion going about how to clean up air pollution. After all these telesvopes are basically looking for new planets for mankind to go to after this one is dead.