📷 Image Credits: Ahmedabad Mirror
Advancements in Indian Science: Tool Developed for Thirty Meter Telescope
Indian scientists have recently achieved a remarkable milestone in the field of astronomy with the development of an innovative tool aimed at enhancing the performance of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT). This groundbreaking tool, created by a team of researchers, promises to revolutionize the generation of an infrared star catalogue crucial for the TMT’s operations.
The TMT is a monumental project in the realm of ground-based telescopes, set to be one of the largest and most advanced instruments operational in the forthcoming decade. Indian scientists have played a pivotal role in this project, with the India TMT Center at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) leading the national collaboration.
One of the key challenges faced by ground-based telescopes such as the TMT is atmospheric distortion, which significantly impacts the quality of astronomical images captured. To address this issue, the TMT is equipped with an Adaptive Optics System (AOS), specifically the Narrow Field Infrared Adaptive Optics System (NFIRAOS) designed to counteract these distortions.
Dr. Sarang Shah from IIA elaborated on the functionality of the NFIRAOS, which incorporates a Laser Guide Star (LGS) facility projecting artificial guide stars into the sky to compensate for atmospheric effects. The system relies on feedback from three real stars, known as Natural Guide Stars (NGS), to correct for atmospheric turbulence.
In their research published in the Astronomical Journal, the Indian scientists detailed the development of an open-source tool that enables the creation of a comprehensive star catalogue essential for the TMT’s AO system. This tool facilitates the computation of near-infrared magnitudes of stellar sources identified in optical sky surveys, thereby enhancing the overall operational capacity of the telescope.
The significance of this tool lies in its ability to provide NGS across all regions of the sky, a critical requirement for the optimal functioning of the NFIRAOS on the TMT. The tool’s validation using data from the UKIDSS survey has demonstrated over 85% accuracy in predicting NIR magnitudes, underscoring its efficacy and reliability.
With India’s substantial involvement in the TMT collaboration through institutions like the IIA, and support from the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, the country continues to make significant strides in advancing astronomical research and technology.
This achievement not only showcases India’s prowess in the field of science but also highlights the country’s commitment to international collaborations and contributions towards cutting-edge scientific endeavors. The development of this innovative tool marks a significant milestone in Indian astronomy and paves the way for groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in the realm of astrophysics.
