Asia's biggest telescope launched

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Belgian counterpart Charles Michel launched Asia's biggest telescope, the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences or ARIES built with Belgian assistance at Nainital remotely from Brussels.

Referring to the cooperation between the two countries on various projects, the PM said even sky is not the limit. He also congratulated the scientists of both the countries for the successful inauguration of the telescope. In a major technological advancement for astronomy in the country, Asia's largest and first of its kind optical telescope was unveiled on Wednesday evening at height of 2500 meters above sea level at Devasthal near Nainital.  During his one-day visit to Belgium, Prime Minister Narendra Modi activated Asia's largest 'general purpose' optical telescope 'Remote Technical Activation' from Brussels ,Belgium. The 'general purpose' optical telescope of diameter 3.6 meter and with 150 tonnes will help in the study and exploration of starts, planets, magnetic field and astronomical debris.  The Aries telescope has been a joint international effort by the Indian, Russian and Belgian scientists. Prime MInister congratulated the scientists and said that nothing is impossible if a joint effort is made. He also quipped that even the sky is not the limit for success in mutual cooperation.  The mirror of the 3.6 diameter optical telescope has been entirely 'coated' in by the scientists and technicians of ARIES in the coating facility which became operational in January 2015.  Belgium funded 7 per cent of the project whose total cost is estimated to be more than Rs150 crore.The telescope can be operated with the help of remote control from anywhere in the world. The feat is touted to be a great achievement for the nation and whole of scientific community. (IM)