Projects
C Projects
Six Projects as Main Driving Force of NAOJ
The C projects group consists of the six projects, such as Subaru Telescope, ALMA (NAOJ Chile Observatory), Solar Science Observatory and Nobeyama Radio Observatory, which have been completed as NAOJ facilities and are operating. This project group is the main driving force of NAOJ actively supporting leading edge observations and research.
B Projects
Two Developing Projects for NAOJ’s Future
The B projects group includes two projects that are under construction or being developed. These are expected to undertake NAOJ observations and research in the near future. The Gravitational Wave Science Project is undertaking gravitational wave observations using KAGRA, the large-scale laser interferometer located in Kamioka, Gifu Prefecture, aiming to develop the field of gravitational wave astronomy. The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) Project is planning to construct the next-generation large telescope succeeding the Subaru Telescope. With its 30-meter primary mirror consisting of 492 segments and its Adaptive Optics (AO) system, it will achieve a resolution ten times higher than that of the Hubble Space Telescope.
A Projects
Four Projects for NAOJ’s Future
The A projects group is designed and established to foster pioneering research and development (R&D) activities. This aims to encourage the creativity of researchers and create a diverse and advanced R&D environment. Four projects, that are JASMINE Project, the Extrasolar Planet Detection Project, the RISE Project, and the SOLAR-C Project; are classified into the A project group. Each project has selected an ambitious theme, and is performing the R&D that will open the way to a new era of Astronomy.
Centers
Three Centers Developing NAOJ’s Strengths
The three Centers exceed the framework of individual projects and play key roles in equipment development/technological research, the numerical simulations, data analysis, data archiving, and public outreach activities. The Centers simultaneously have characteristics of both projects and basic infrastructures of NAOJ.
Division
Astronomy now covers a vast area of time and space. Observational astronomy is utilizing any messengers from astronomical objects, which range from electromagnetic waves to gravitational waves, neutrinos, and cosmic rays. Theoretical astronomy is also developing by making full use of simulation techniques and combining the numerical results with observational data. The Division of Science conducts a wide variety of research that combines theory and observation on any astronomical objects from the past to the future of the Universe, and from cosmology to stars and planets.
Archives
Finished Project
Nobeyama Solar Radio Observatory
Nobeyama Solar Radio Observatory is finished the project on March 31, 2015. And the Radio Heliograph is operated mainly by Nagoya University.
Extrasolar Planet Detection Project Office
Extrasolar Planet Detection Project Office is finished the project on December 31, 2017.
Okayama Astrophysical Observatory
Okayama Astrophysical Observatory is finished the project on March 31, 2018.
Division of Optical and Infrared Astronomy
Division of Optical and Infrared Astronomy is finished the division on March 31, 2019.
Division of Radio Astronomy
Division of Radio Astronomy is finished the division on March 31, 2019.
Division of Solar and Plasma Astrophysics
Division of Solar and Plasma Astrophysics is finished the division on March 31, 2019.
Division of Theoretical Astronomy
Division of Theoretical Astronomy is finished the division on March 31, 2019.