This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. More info is available on the ILMT website. Project astronomers are enthusiastic about the application of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) algorithms that will be implemented for classifying the objects observed with the ILMT. When regular science operations begin later this year, the ILMT will produce about 10 GB of data every night, which will be quickly analyzed to reveal variable and transient stellar sources,” said Dr. The International Liquid Mirror Telescope (ILMT) is the first telescope of its kind in India, the largest in Asia, and made solely for astronomical surveys.įirst light for the telescope was in June, 2022. It is located at an altitude of 8,000 feet. Built by astronomers from India, Belgium and Canada, the novel instrument employs a 4-meter-diameter rotating mirror made up of a thin film of liquid mercury to collect and focus light. A unique liquid-mirror telescope now sits atop a mountain in the Himalayan range at the Devasthal Observatory. With evolving technology however, old ideas become practical. You can also only look straight up at the zenith as the liquid and its container need to spin evenly with the assist of gravity. Vibrations will cause ripples in the liquid and even wind passing over the liquid will disturb it.

Conceptually simple but many factors impeded actual performance. There have been attempts since Newton published his paper to create a telescope with a liquid mirror. Primary telescope mirrors are usually in the shape of a parabola as this reflects light onto a point, the focus of the parabola. take a (circular) container of liquid, spin it around its central axis and the liquid will take the shape of a parabola. In 1686, Isaac Newton said, a spinning 'vessel, by gradually communicating its motion to the water, will make it begin sensibly to revolve, and recede by little and little from the middle, and ascend to the sides of the vessel, forming itself into a concave figure.' I.e. First Light for the International Liquid Mirror Telescope (ILMT).

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