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Studying Space by Starlight |
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Astronomy began with observation of the sun, moon, and stars as they rose and set each day. Since Galileo used a telescope in 1609, we discovered that there were other planets in the solar system, more distant stars, and galaxies to which those stars belonged.
Among the different areas of astronomy, the field of optical astronomy---the study of space by visible starlight---is subdivided into photometry (measuring the brightness of celestial bodies) and spectroscopy (measuring
starlight by wavelength). With these two methods, astronomers have been able to see how stars form and change, and how galaxies, the most central focus of modern astronomy, form and evolve.
Using optical telescopes at the Sobaeksan and Bohyunsan Optical Astronomy Observatories, and the Giant Magellan Telescope (the world's largest), KASI is investigating the origins and changes of stars and space.
Major Research Areas
- Formation and evolution of our galaxy
- the search for variable objects and extrasolar planets
- participating in building of large overseas telescopes
Major Achievements
- Discovering the first extrasolar planetary system with two suns
- Paper on extrasolar planet discovery selected as most frequently cited in Astronomical Journal
- Participating the Giant Magellan Telescope project (the world's largest) |
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The Beginnings of Modern Korean Astronomy - Sobaeksan Optical Astronomy Observatory |
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Modern Korean astronomy began with a 61cm reflecting telescope built in 1978 at Sobaeksan Optical Astronomy Observatory (SOAO). Developing from photographic observation to photoelectric and CCD observation, SOAO is the history of Korean optical astronomy.
SOAO currently uses an KASI developed automatic differential photometric system. Since the relocation of a 76cm telescope from Sejong University, it has been engaged in joint research on stellar photometry. SOAO is also involved in international research to monitor eclipsing binaries, pulsating variables, and variable galaxies. SOAO continues writing new pages in Korea's astronomy history.
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Korea's Largest Optical Telescope - Bohyunsan Optical Astronomy Observatory |
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Bohyunsan Optical Astronomy Observatory (BOAO) was built in 1996 with a 1.8m reflecting telescope, Korea's largest. This instrument can be found on the back of the 10,000 won bank note.
A 1k CCD imaging system was developed for the observatory in 1996. This was followed by the creation of a 2k CCD system in 1999. Currently, the observatory is using a 4k CCD for its observations. In 2003, it succeeded in developing the high-dispersion Bohyunsan Optical Echelle Spectrograph (BOES). With the addition of spectropolarimetry
functions, the BOES is now recognized by overseas astronomers as the most outstanding of all high-dispersion spectrographs in its class. In 2008, its capabilities were further upgraded as the KASI Near Infrared Camera System (KASINICS) was developed and installed on the 1.8m telescope.
Many researchers from Korea and overseas have used this telescope and observational equipment to produce outstanding findings not only on stellar spectra but also interstellar medium, galaxy formation, and quasars. |
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| The Challenges of Korean Optical Astronomy - the Giant Magellan Telescope |
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At this moment, thirteen large telescopes with apertures measuring 8 to 10 meters are in operation around the world. Korea's largest measures just 1.8 meters, placing it outside the world's top fifty. Since 2009, KASI has been working with the U.S. and Australia to develop the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT). This behemoth will consist
of seven reflecting mirrors 8.4 meters in diameter, for a total diameter for 25.4 meters.
Construction is scheduled to take place at Las Campanas Observatory in the Chilean Andes in 2019.
In Korea, plans are being carried out in conjunction with the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science for the development of a GMT secondary mirror, and a state-of- the-art high-dispersion spectrograph is under development with the University of Texas at Austin. The technology gained through the processing of large aperture, ultra highprecision optical systems and optical instrument design and production is set to spur on the growth of the country's businesses, research institutes, and universities. Because the GMT is so much larger than the world's largest telescope today, it will show new aspects of the universe that humankind has yet to lay eyes upon. This may mean the resolution of questions about the structure, origins, and evolution of the universe that currently remain shrouded in mystery. |
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