NAYUTA Telescope EMITSUBISHI ELECTRIC

Nishiharima Astronomical Observatory Park in Hyogo Prefecture is home to NAYUTA, Japan’s largest reflector telescope. Created by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, NAYUTA is a culmination of technologies and expertise cultivated through the development of the world’s largest telescope, SUBARU, in Hawaii. This website lets you experience the magnificent realm of the stars as NAYUTA sees them, made possible by the revolutionary technologies that underlie its performance.

The primary mirror is the heart of any reflector telescope. NAYUTA’s primary mirror is two meters in diameter. In addition to being the largest primary mirror in Japan, its precision-ground surface makes it one of the smoothest large mirrors in the world. From manufacturing to maintenance, Mitsubishi Electric incorporated into NAYUTA the array of technologies it cultivated through its prior work on the world’s largest telescope, SUBARU, in Hawaii.

The role of the primary mirror is to collect light, so we cannot actually see the light of the stars as collected by the massive primary mirror itself. . The collected light is reflected onto secondary and third mirrors, and is then guided to various observation instruments mounted on the telescope. No fluctuation or error may occur while the light is being collected, reflected and guided to its destination.

NAYUTA offers various ways of viewing celestial bodies. For example, it can enlarge images, or capture moving images. It can also conduct spectral analysis and near-infrared observation, both of which are prerequisites in modern astronomy. Another unique feature of NAYUTA is this: its primary mirror is the world’s largest mirror mounted on a telescope that is open to the public. NAYUTA brings new and profound ways to experience the wonders of the starry skies.

Celestial bodies are constantly moving in relation to the earth’s rotation. Tracking them as accurately as possible is a crucial part of astronomical observation. NAYUTA weighs as much as 39 tons. With a structure that massive, precise control is an immense challenge. Mitsubishi Electric has risen to that challenge by building on the technologies it cultivated through its involvement on the SUBARU telescope in Hawaii and a 45 meter radio telescope in Nobeyama, Japan.

From planning and construction to completion and successful use, the creation of NAYUTA was a painstaking endeavor that required enormous patience and no small amount of diligence. In this section we chronicle the project team’s relentless efforts and steadfast determination to overcome the numerous challenges encountered along the way.

NAYUTA is an amazing creation that is both massive and highly sophisticated. By taking a look at its mechanical construction and specifications, you can grasp an overall understanding of its sheer magnificence.

In addition to the construction of NAYUTA, Mitsubishi Electric has been an integral force behind the development of SUBARU, the world’s largest telescope, in Hawaii, as well as other optical and radio telescopes, some of which are introduced here.

Frequently asked questions about NAYUTA received by Nishiharima Astronomical Observatory

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