Indian Scientists Develop Open-Source Tool for Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT)

Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT)

The Thirty Meter Telescope is a next-generation astronomical observatory designed for cutting-edge astronomical research, involving international collaboration from India, the United States, Canada, China, and Japan. It aims to study the early universe, galaxies, supermassive black holes, stars, and exoplanets.

Key Features of TMT

• Mirror System: Composed of 492 hexagonal segments for the primary mirror, 118 smaller hexagonal segments for the secondary mirror, and a centrally positioned tertiary mirror.
• Instruments: Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (IRIS) and Wide-Field Optical Spectrograph (WFOS).
• Adaptive Optics System (AOS): Narrow Field Infrared Adaptive Optics System (NFIRAOS) to correct atmospheric turbulence using deformable mirrors and laser guide stars.

Indian Contribution

Indian scientists have developed an open-source tool to generate a comprehensive catalogue of near-infrared (NIR) stars, which will support the operation of the NFIRAOS adaptive optics system. This tool will assist in improving the precision of observations made by the TMT.