The Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT) is an astronomical telescope located at Hanle in Ladakh.

Its high-altitude location provides favourable conditions for astronomical observations because of the dry atmosphere and low atmospheric interference.

Key Pointers

  • Category: Science & Technology / Astronomy
  • Location: Hanle, Ladakh
  • High-altitude astronomical observatory.
  • Operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.
  • Named after Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar.
  • High-altitude sites provide:
    • Dry atmosphere
    • Low water vapour
    • Reduced atmospheric disturbance
  • Used for astronomical observations of celestial objects.

Prelims Focus: HCT → Hanle → Ladakh → astronomy.