The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) regards the 3.8-m telescope (foreground) of Kyoto University Graduate School of Science (hereinafter Kyoto University) as the successor to the Okayama Astrophysical Observatory 188-cm Reflecting Telescope (background). Through cooperation with Kyoto University, starting from FY 2019, about half of the observation time of the 3.8-m telescope is scheduled to be used for open-use nationwide in Japan. On the other hand, the 188-cm and smaller telescopes will be shifted to operation by individual researcher groups, etc., at their own expense.

Invitation to See New Scenery

In April 2018, the Okayama Astro-Complex (tentative name) will be born. NAOJ will contribute to the operation of the Kyoto University 3.8-m telescope, and NAOJ plans to provide about half of the observation time of the 3.8-m telescope for open-use. NAOJ's 188-cm telescope is scheduled to move to self-paying operation by a researcher group centered on the Exoplanet Observation Research Center of the School of Science of Tokyo Institute of Technology. Other smaller telescopes are planned to be taken over by other researcher groups, etc., at their own expense. The adjacent Okayama Astronomy Museum, operated by Asakuchi City, was renewed on March 24, and they are looking for opportunities to cooperate with the 3.8-m and 188-cm telescopes. Astronomy related facilities at the summit of Chikurinjisan interrelate to form a complex, creating a new landscape here. Please come and have a look.

Text by: Hideyuki Izumiura (Okayama Astrophysical Observatory)

Image Data

Downloads

• Medium resolution (940 x 627, 118KB)
• High resolution (2000 x 1335, 930KB)
• Maximum resolution (6016 x 4016, 21.9MB)

Related Link

• Okayama Astrophysical Observatory: An Overview on Past, Present and Future (Japanese language only)