Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) inaugurated the Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) Observatory at Hanle, Ladakh.
- DAE was set up under the direct charge of the Prime Minister through executive order in 1954 in accordance with the Atomic Energy Act, 1948.
- DAE leads Research and development for the peaceful uses of atomic energy.
About MACE Observatory
- It is the largest imaging Cherenkov telescope in Asia and 2nd largest in the world.
- Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA), consisting of two arrays located at Spain and Chile, respectively, will be the largest Cherenkov telescope in the world. It is currently under construction.
- It is located at an altitude of —4,300 m, the highest of its kind in the world.
- Objective: Observe high-energy gamma rays to understand the most energetic phenomena in the universe (such as supernovae, black holes, and gamma-ray bursts).
- Indigenously built by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) with support from Electronics Corporation of India (ECIL) and other partners.
