China building astronomical observatory, expected to be best in Asia

China is building an astronomical observatory that it expects to be the best in Asia and one of the most advanced in the world. The observatory coming up in Ngari in Tibet, near the Indian border, is expected to attract scientists from across the world once it is completed. The facility will be the first observatory located above 5,000 metres above sea level in the northern hemisphere. It will be as advanced in terms of observation capability as the Mauna Kea Observatories in Hawaii (US), the observatories in the Andes (Chile) and one in the Canary Islands, state media said quoting experts. "According to recent observations, the astronomical sight in Ngari observatory can reach at least 0.8 arc seconds, matching that of the Mauna Kea Observatories and meeting the prerequisites for a world first-class observatory," it said quoting Norio Kaifu, president of the International Astronomical Union. The "primary motivation in seeking a high-latitude location in China" is the shortage of world-class observatories in China, Kaifu was quoted as saying. The observatory will sport a 50 cm telescope to observe celestial bodies in the solar system, the region of the formation of a star and variable stars, the official Xinhua news agency said. LHASA, -- An observatory that is under construction in Tibet is expected to become the best astronomical observatory in Asia after its completion, International Astronomical Union (IAU) President Norio Kaifu said. The observatory, based in Tibet's Ngari prefecture, is located in an ideal place for astronomical monitoring due to its high altitude, transparent atmosphere and mild weather, Norio Kaifu said during an inspection tour in Tibet from June 28 to July 1. The Ngari observatory, perched at an altitude of 5,100 meters above sea level, can compete with Hawaii's Mauna Kea Observatories, the world's largest observatory for optical, infrared and submillimeter astronomy, he said. The Ngari observatory, the first observatory built above 5,000 meters in the northern hemisphere, will also help to promote cooperation among Asian astronomers, he said. The observatory will enable scientists from the Chinese mainland, Taiwan, Japan and the Republic of Korea to build large-scale telescopes and carry out joint research programs, said Yao Yongqiang, chief researcher with the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The observatory, built with a total investment of more than 30 million yuan (4.87 million U.S. dollars), is expected to be completed within ten years, Yao said. A 0.5-meter telescope has been set up in the observatory to carry out research on planetary science, star formation and other astronomical projects, Yao said. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has long been a popular location for stargazers. The 13th king of ancient Tibet's Yuyuhun Kingdom, who reigned from 481 to 490, built an observatory in the remote Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan autonomous prefecture in neighboring Qinghai Province. As part of China's efforts to explore the universe, a 3-meter KOSMA telescope has been built in the town of Yangbajing in Damxung County, about 90 km from the Tibetan capital of Lhasa.