The 0.5-meter Solar Optical Telescope aboard "Hinode" has been registered as "Essential Historical Materials for Science and Technology"
The 0.5-meter Solar Optical Telescope aboard "Hinode" has been registered as "Essential Historical Materials for Science and Technology"
The National Museum of Nature and Science maintains a registry of "Essential Historical Materials for Science and Technology" that are "important specimens from the history of science and technology, items that clearly need to be preserved for future generations " and "have had a significant impact on people's lifestyles, society, culture, and the economy."
The solar observing satellite "Hinode," launched in 2006, is capable of observing the Sun in three wavelength bands: visible light, extreme ultraviolet, and soft X-rays. The newly registered telescope is the 0.5-meter Solar Optical Telescope aboard "Hinode," which was developed using 9 of the 17 key technologies adopted in the Subaru Telescope. It used the first optical performance evaluation method in the world to simulate zero-gravity conditions, which has since been adopted in the development of other satellite-mounted optical instruments. Despite its small aperture, it achieved its theoretical best possible resolution of 0.2 arcseconds, producing results in observations of the Sun's magnetic field structure and solar flares.
The engineering model of the registered device is available for always viewing at Mitaka Campus.
From September 17 to 28, the National Museum of Nature and Science will host a panel exhibition showcasing the 14 items registered this year as Essential Historical Materials for Science and Technology.
[Related link]
Essential Historical Materials for Science and Technology (The National Museum of Nature and Science) https://sts.kahaku.go.jp/english/material/index.php
Subaru Telescope and the 0.5-meter Solar Optical Telescope aboard "Hinode" have been registered as "Essential Historical Materials for Science and Technology" https://www.nao.ac.jp/en/news/topics/2025/20250910-kahaku.html
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