Overview

• The University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory (TAO) has officially opened, marking it as the highest ground-based astronomical site.
• Located on Cerro Chajnantor in the Atacama Desert, the observatory faces unique challenges due to its extreme altitude and remote location.
• TAO's high altitude provides clearer views of mid-infrared wavelengths, crucial for studying planet formation and galaxy evolution.
• The observatory's construction involved extensive collaboration with local communities, government, and health authorities to address the site's challenges.
• Research at TAO will focus on fundamental astronomical questions, including the origins of galaxies and the nature of dark matter.