NAOJ Mizusawa Campus

NAOJ Mizusawa Campus is an astronomical observatory in Ōshū with multiple radio telescopes for observing space. The facility operates antennas of 20 and 10 meters in diameter to conduct detailed scientific measurements.

The facility began in 1899 as the International Latitude Observatory, marking the start of systematic sky observations in this region of Japan. This founding contributed to the development of modern astronomy in the country.

The Kimura Hisashi Memorial Museum displays scientific instruments and records from the observatory's founding director who pioneered measurements of Earth's rotation. Visitors can see how these early observations shaped modern understanding of planetary motion.

The campus is accessible to visitors who want to learn about space research and astronomy. The grounds are open during regular hours and easy to navigate on foot.

The observatory takes part in the VERA project, which uses four 20-meter antennas at different locations across Japan to create highly detailed images of the Milky Way. This collaboration allows researchers to see details in the sky that would otherwise be impossible.

Location: Oshu

Inception: 1899

Website: https://miz.nao.ac.jp

GPS coordinates: 39.13347,141.13261

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:42