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Around the time of First Light in March, 2004, the public was invited to help name the new telescope. Ultimately, the name “NAYUTA” was selected from among 3,651 entries.
| NAYUTA is a Sanskrit word meaning “infinitely
large number.” It was a name conceptually befitting the telescope's ability
to see as far as the outer limits of the universe. From First Light to the telescope's
opening to the public in November, the Mitsubishi Electric technology team continued
its fine-tuning efforts. Driven by pride and natural tenacity, the team worked
around the clock -- until just three days before the date of public opening --
to ensure the telescope was performing as designed and there were no bugs in
the program. On November 8, witnessed by more than 300 local residents invited
to attend the event, NAYUTA was finally opened to the public. |
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Some of the guests who viewed the moon through NAYUTA on the day of its public opening were reportedly moved to tears by the sheer beauty of the image. Such is the power of celestial objects and of the telescope that helps bring the beauty of the cosmos to our eyes. If you are ever able to make a visit to Nishiharima, you can treat yourself to such astronomical wonders, through the magnificent eyes of NAYUTA.
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