Gunma Astronomical Observatory (GAO) is designed for both astronomical research and public use, established in April 1999 by Gunma prefecture. GAO is an optical and near infrared observatory, located in Takayama, Gunma prefecture in the main island of Japan; about 120 km northwest of Tokyo. Its main telescope is a 1.5-meter reflector equipped with a high resolution echelle spectrograph and some other observation instruments such as an infrared camera. GAO also has a 65 cm reflector, along with a solar telescope and smaller telescopes.
 

Photo: Gunma Astronomical Observatory.

Gunma is a leg of Around the World in 80 Telescopes tour: Click to play; click  (lower right) to view video full screen Next stop: Okayama (previous stop: NAOJ Nobeyama)

Real experience - GAO provide you with the opportunity not only to see stars or the space through a telescope, but to come in contact with researchers who are tackling their projects enthusiastically and the latest astronomical research activities so that you can go through an extensive range of "real" experiences.

Open to the public - GAO is based upon the principle of throwing our facilities open to the public. Not only our facilities, but data or information gathered at the observatory are widely accessible to anyone, including children, astronomical buffs or researchers.

Cooperation with schools and life-long education - GAO provides a broad audience with the opportunity to learn through experiences in school education, as well as a wide range of opportunities for pursuing life-long education according to the level of knowledge and age groups.

Observational research - Full-scale research activities are essential to promote live education. To this end, GAO is also moving ahead with research which can contribute to the progress of astronomy, while making efforts to bring along researchers extensively.

International cooperation - GAO receives and fosters researchers from many different parts of the world, while being engaged in cooperative activities on a global scale, such as international joint observational projects.

GAO is also home to a replica of Jantar Mantar and a stone circle. (Jantar Mantar is an Indian observatory built in the 18th century.)

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