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Question

Recently India commissioned its first liquid mirror telescope at

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2022 English Previous Year Paper (10-April-2022)
The correct answer is

Uttarakhand

Locating India's First Liquid Mirror Telescope: A Key Science Development

The question asks about the location of India's first liquid mirror telescope. This is an important scientific installation that represents a step forward in astronomical observation capabilities for India.

Understanding the Significance of the Liquid Mirror Telescope

Unlike traditional telescopes that use large, curved glass mirrors, a liquid mirror telescope uses a reflective liquid, typically mercury, spun in a container. The centrifugal force causes the surface of the liquid to form a parabolic shape, which is ideal for focusing light. These telescopes are generally pointed straight up to observe a strip of the sky as the Earth rotates. This design makes them very cost-effective for their size and allows for continuous surveys of the overhead sky.

Identifying the Location

India's first and currently the largest liquid mirror telescope is the International Liquid Mirror Telescope (ILMT). This telescope was commissioned in India and is located at a high-altitude site that provides clear skies suitable for astronomical observations.

Let's look at the options provided:

  • Himachal Pradesh
  • Uttarakhand
  • Ladakh
  • Arunachal Pradesh

The International Liquid Mirror Telescope (ILMT) is situated at the Devasthal Optical Telescope (DOT) site of the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES).

Confirmation of the Location

The Devasthal site, where the ILMT is located, is in the Nainital district. Nainital is a well-known location within the state of Uttarakhand. Therefore, India's first liquid mirror telescope is located in Uttarakhand.

Key facts about the International Liquid Mirror Telescope (ILMT):

  • It is the first liquid mirror telescope commissioned in India.
  • It is the largest aperture liquid mirror telescope in Asia.
  • It is located at Devasthal, Nainital, Uttarakhand.
  • It is hosted by the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES).
  • It is designed for surveying the overhead sky strip every night.

Summary Table of Key Facts

Feature Detail
Telescope Name International Liquid Mirror Telescope (ILMT)
Type Liquid Mirror Telescope
Location (State) Uttarakhand
Location (Site) Devasthal, Nainital
Host Institute ARIES (Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences)
Primary Function Surveying the overhead sky

Based on the location of the ARIES Devasthal site, the correct state is Uttarakhand.

Revision Table: Key Concepts

Concept Brief Explanation
Liquid Mirror Telescope A telescope using a spinning liquid (like mercury) to form a parabolic mirror surface.
ILMT International Liquid Mirror Telescope - India's first and largest liquid mirror telescope.
ARIES Devasthal Observatory site in Uttarakhand where ILMT is located.

Additional Information: Astronomy in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand has emerged as a significant hub for astronomical research in India. The high altitudes and relatively clear skies in regions like Devasthal make them suitable for setting up telescopes. The Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) plays a crucial role in promoting astronomy and astrophysics research in the state, hosting several important telescopes, including traditional optical telescopes in addition to the ILMT. This concentration of facilities contributes significantly to India's capabilities in observing the universe and conducting front-line astronomical research.

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