Relocation from Iitate, Fukushima to the summit of Haleakalā in Hawaii
Newly completed Tohoku University T60 telescope dome facility on the summit of Haleakalā
Since 1999, the Planetary Plasma and Atmospheric Research Center has been conducting observation and educational activities using the nation's only 60cm telescope dedicated to the observation of planetary atmospheres located in Iitate, Fukushima. Due to the nuclear power plant accident caused by the disaster of March 11, 2011, long-term telescopic observation in the area was made difficult due to the radiation levels in the area reaching up to 6.5 microsieverts per hour. After reviewing several alternate sites, it was determined that the summit of Haleakalā in Hawaii offered optimum conditions for observations. Upon approaching the University of Hawaii, the construction was readily agreed as a contribution to the reconstruction efforts after the disaster.
60-cm Telescope; Relocated from Iitate in Fukushima to the Haleakala summit
Since then, a project was started to relocate the telescope located in Iitate to Haleakalā in Hawaii. As the summit is located within Haleakalā National Park, there were unexpected twists and turns regarding work permits. However, with cooperation from Tohoku University staff, University of Hawaii, and local suppliers, these various difficulties were overcome and the relocation project was continued.
The signing ceremony for the scientific cooperation agreement between Tohoku University and University of Hawaii (Right: Professor Tadahiro Hayasaka, Graduate School of Science and Faculty of Science, Tohoku University. Left: Dr. Guenther Hasinger, Director of the Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaii.)
Contact:
Tohoku University Planetary Plasma and Atmospheric Research Center (PPARC)Associate Professor Takeshi Sakanoi
Tel: +81-22-795-6609
Email: tsakanoi
pparc.gp.tohoku.ac.jp