NARIT joins NASA and other countries Use the National Telescope Participate in “Uranus is taking out the star” observation
13 November 2024 – Chiang Mai, National Astronomical Research Institute (Public Body) (NSD or NARIT) Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation) used ) the national 2.4 meter telescope on Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai Province, to observe the phenomenon. “Uranus closing star” in collaboration with NASA and major observatories around the world Collect data for research on changes in the atmosphere. and the environment around the planet, which will lead to the discovery of new scientific knowledge in the future
Dr. Saran Posayachinda, Director of the National Astronomical Research Institute, revealed that there was a time in Thailand on the night of November 13, 2024. An astronomical phenomenon took place “Uranus takes out the star” for which there is a Research Center NASA Langley has invited many large observatories around the world. Including the Observatory in honor of the 7th Anniversary of His Majesty’s Cycling Birthday or the National Observatory. On Doi Inthanon, Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai Province To participate in observing and collecting data about this phenomenon That night, NARIT astronomers used the National Telescope Diameter 2.4 meters I participated in data collection by recording images of Uranus as it transited the star 2MASS J03310965+1846263. which has an apparent brightness level of about 13. In addition, the recorded images also show four large moons of Uranus: Miranda, Umbreel, Ariel, and Titania, as well as appearing to the thin rings of Uranus appear rectangular when viewed from Earth.
The phenomenon of Uranus crossing the star can be seen on the night of November 13, 2024 in all parts of Asia. The main shadow route is through Russia and Eastern Europe. for Thailand The phenomenon began at approximately 12:29 am, the center of the crisis occurred at approximately 12:59 am, and the phenomenon ended at approximately 1:32 am. NARIT collected data during the period of that phenomenon.
Data collection this time For the first time since 1996, astronomers will measure changes in the atmosphere of Uranus. Thailand will analyze the data together with observatories in Japan and India, including the Hokkaido University Observatory. Kyoto University Sangyo Observatory Destructive Observatory and Chandra Himalayan Observatory.
The phenomenon of “Stellar occultation by planets” is a phenomenon in which the Earth, planets, and background stars are in the same straight line This makes it possible to observe planets with telescopes on Earth. The planet can be seen temporarily blocking the background star. Scientists have previously used this phenomenon to detect objects around planets. As the planet moves in, it blocks the background star. If the light of the star changes before and after the scene, This means that there could be opaque material in the area around the planet, such as the discovery of the rings of Uranus (1977), the discovery of evidence of show the rings of Neptune (1984), and the atmosphere of Pluto discovered (1988), etc.
Today, astronomers continue to use this phenomenon to study the energy and structure of Uranus’ thermosphere and stratosphere, for example by collecting data on the density of the atmosphere at different levels through measuring atmospheric temperatures of the planet Monitoring information about Uranus’ atmosphere For use in planning future Uranus exploration missions, etc.
for the National Telescope Diameter 2.4 meters, the telescope is from Thailand. It is the largest in Southeast Asia. Opened in 2013, NARIT is involved in many international astronomy research projects. and various software always up-to-date Increase research efficiency and convenience for users who are astronomers from all over the world
1. How important is it for Thailand to participate in international astronomy research, especially when observing celestial events like the transit of Uranus?
2. Can you explain more about the ”stellar occultation by planets” phenomenon and its significance in studying planets beyond our solar system?
3. How did NARIT join the NASA-led observation effort to observe Uranus’ occultation, and what role did they play in the data collection process?
4. What kind of data was collected during this observation, and how will it contribute to our understanding of Uranus’ atmosphere and environment?
5. What challenges did NARIT face while operating the National Telescope Diameter 2.4 meters during the night of the observation?
6. Are there any ongoing efforts by NARIT to upgrade or maintain the National Telescope Diameter 2.4 meters for future astronomical research projects?
