GS III- Science and Technology

2.Inaugurated on October 4, 2023, the Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) Telescope in Ladakh is a major milestone in gamma-ray astronomy. What are its unique features that make it stand out among ground-based telescopes? What are its primary scientific goals, and how does it contribute to advancing our understanding of the universe?

Approach: Introduction about MACE- Unique features- Primary scientific goals- its scope of contribution- conclusion

The Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) telescope, inaugurated in Hanle, Ladakh, is a pioneering achievement in gamma-ray astronomy. Situated at an altitude of 4.3 km above sea level, it is the world’s highest imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescope (IACT), boasting a 21-meter-wide dish—the largest in Asia and the second-largest globally. This indigenously developed facility marks a significant milestone in India’s quest to explore high-energy astrophysics.

1. Strategic High-Altitude Location
   ○ Located above the turbulent lower troposphere, MACE benefits from clearer atmospheric conditions, enhancing observational precision.
2. Advanced Light-Collecting System
   ○ The honeycomb-segmented mirrors, coated with silicon dioxide for durability, optimize light reflection and reduce structural weight.
3. Sophisticated Camera Technology
   ○ Equipped with 1,088 photomultiplier tubes, the camera amplifies faint Cherenkov signals, converting them into digital data for real-time analysis.
4. Massive and Movable Structure
   ○ A 180-tonne telescope with an altitude-azimuth mount enables precise vertical and horizontal adjustments, allowing comprehensive sky surveys.

Scientific Goals

1. Study of Gamma-Ray Sources
   ○ Investigating high-energy gamma rays emitted from pulsars, black holes, supernovae, and blazars.
2. Dark Matter Research
   ○ Exploring the existence of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) by detecting their potential gamma-ray signatures.
3. Cosmological Insights
   ○ Contributing to understanding the extreme phenomena of the universe, including gamma-ray bursts and energetic cosmic events.

Potential Benefits

1. Advancement in Astrophysics
   ○ The telescope promises breakthroughs in high-energy astrophysics, refining theories of gamma-ray production.
2. Dark Matter Exploration
   ○ MACE could validate or refute hypotheses about dark matter’s particle nature, contributing to foundational cosmological models.
3. Technological Progress
   ○ The indigenous design and construction of MACE showcase India’s capability in advanced scientific instrumentation.

The MACE telescope is a testament to India’s scientific prowess and dedication to unraveling cosmic mysteries. By addressing critical questions in particle physics and high-energy astrophysics, MACE is poised to elevate India’s position in global astronomical research, fostering a deeper understanding of the universe’s most enigmatic phenomena.

Source:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/mace-in-ladakh-opens-its-one-of-a-kind-eye-to-cosmic-gamma-rays/article68908565.ece#:~:text=The%20Major%20Atmospheric%20Cherenkov%20Experiment,Cherenkov%20telescope%20in%20the%20world.