In News:

The MACE Observatory was recently inaugurated by the Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission in Hanle, Ladakh.

About MACE Observatory

• Name: Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) Observatory.
• Significance:
  • Largest imaging Cherenkov telescope in Asia.
  • Highest imaging Cherenkov observatory in the world.
• Location: Situated at approximately 4,300 meters altitude in Hanle, Ladakh.
• Indigenous Development:
  • Built by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
  • Supported by the Electronics Corporation of India (ECIL), Hyderabad, and other Indian industry partners.

Scientific Contributions

• Research Focus:
  • Enhances understanding in astrophysics, fundamental physics, and particle acceleration mechanisms.
  • Observes high-energy gamma rays to investigate cosmic phenomena like supernovae, black holes, and gamma-ray bursts.
• Global Impact:
  • Aims to foster international collaborations in space research.
  • Strengthens India’s position in the global scientific community.

Socio-Economic Role

• Local Impact: Contributes to the socio-economic development of Ladakh, promoting scientific awareness and opportunities.

Understanding Cherenkov Radiation

• Definition: A blue glow emitted when charged particles (e.g., electrons and protons) travel faster than light in a specific medium.
• Historical Note: Named after Pavel Cherenkov, who, along with Ilya Frank and Igor Tamm, received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1958 for his work in demonstrating and explaining this phenomenon.