The Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) is becoming one of the promising observatory sites globally, said a recent study.
About
The Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO), located in Hanle near Leh in Ladakh, has one of the world's highest located sites for optical, infrared and gamma-ray telescopes.
It is operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore.
It is currently the ninth highest optical telescope in the world, situated at an elevation of 4,500 meters (14,764 ft).
The Indian Astronomical Observatory stands on Mt. Saraswati, Digpa-ratsa Ri, Hanle in south-eastern Ladakh union territory.
The Observatory has two active telescopes. These are the 2.01 meter optical-infrared Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT) and a High Altitude Gamma Ray Telescope (HAGAR).