Modi, Belgian PM jointly launch Asia's biggest telescope

On March 30, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel unveiled Asia's largest optical telescope in Nainital, Uttarakhand from Brussels, Belgium. "Even the sky is not the limit for the ARIES Telescope" said Modi after launching the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences or ARIES project.

Here is all you want to know about the project, ARIES:

• ARIES telescope is a joint collaboration between Indian, Russian, and Belgian scientists

• The total cost of the construction and setup of the telescope is estimated to be Rs 120 crore

• The telescope is located at Devasthal, Nainital at a height of 2,500 metres

• It is said that the site was chosen to get a clear view of the sky

• The ARIES optical telescope's mirror is 3.6 metres (360 centimetres) in diameter

• The high end technology incorporated in the telescope enables it to be operated with the help of remote control from anywhere in the world

• The telescope will be used in the study and exploration of planets, starts, magnetic field and astronomical debris

• The scientists will also help in research of the structures of stars and magnetic field structures of stars

• In March 2007, the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences and Belgian company Advanced Mechanical and Optical Systems (AMOS) had entered a contract for design, manufacture, integration, testing, supply, and installation of the telescope

• It has been reported that Belgium had funded 7 percent of the project.