National Large Solar Telescope (NLST)

In a major push to astronomical research, the Union Budget 2026–27 has sanctioned the establishment of two new state-of-the-art telescopes in Ladakh, along with the upgradation of an existing facility. The move is expected to significantly strengthen India’s capabilities in studying the Sun and exploring the origins of the universe.

National Large Solar Telescope (NLST)

One of the key projects approved is the National Large Solar Telescope (NLST), a 2-metre aperture ground-based solar telescope to be set up in the Merak region near Pangong Tso lake.

• It will operate in the visible and near-infrared wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum.
• The telescope is expected to become operational in the next 5–6 years.
• Once completed, NLST will be India’s third ground-based solar observatory.

At present, India has two operational solar observatories:

1. Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (Tamil Nadu) – Established in 1899
2. Udaipur Solar Observatory (Rajasthan) – Established in 1975

The NLST will enable high-resolution observations of solar activities such as sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections, contributing to improved space weather forecasting.

National Large Optical–Near Infrared Telescope (NLOT)

The second major project is the National Large Optical–Near Infrared Telescope (NLOT), to be constructed in Hanle, Ladakh.

• It will feature a 13.7-metre aperture segmented primary mirror.
• The primary mirror will consist of 90 smaller segmented mirrors, arranged to function together as a single large mirror.
• The telescope will observe celestial objects in optical and near-infrared wavelengths, aiding research into galaxy formation, stellar evolution, and cosmology.

With its large aperture, NLOT will be among the most powerful optical telescopes in the region.

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Ladakh: India’s Emerging Astronomy Hub

Ladakh has already emerged as a major centre for astronomical research due to its:

• High altitude
• Low atmospheric disturbance
• Minimal light pollution

The village of Hanle has been designated as India’s first and only Dark Sky Reserve, a protected region aimed at preserving the natural darkness of the night sky for astronomical observations.