Speaker
Description
The Institute of Astronomy, School of Science, University of Tokyo, is promoting the TAO (The University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory) project to construct a 6.5-m telescope at an altitude of 5,640 m in Atacama, Chile. This will be the highest astronomical observatory on Earth, providing exceptionally clear skies for infrared observations at wavelengths up to 38 μm. Scientific observations are scheduled to begin in 2025. We plan to perform thermal infrared observations of near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) using the TAO 6.5-meter telescope. The primary objective of these observations is to determine the size and albedo of NEAs, which are essential parameters for understanding their physical properties. The high altitude of the observatory significantly reduces atmospheric interference, allowing for more accurate infrared measurements of NEAs, which will contribute to better assessments of their physical properties and potential hazards to Earth.
