National Astronomical Observatory of Japan Okayama Astrophysical Observatory, Astronomical observatory in Asakuchi, Japan
The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, also known as the Okayama Astrophysical Observatory, is an astronomical observatory in Asakuchi, in Okayama Prefecture. The site holds several dome-covered telescope buildings and indoor exhibit spaces open to the public on select occasions.
The observatory was founded in the postwar period as Japan expanded its scientific research programs, and it later became part of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan. Over the following decades, several telescopes were installed on the site, including a 74-inch (188 cm) reflector that was for a long time one of the largest in East Asia.
The observatory is located outside the center of Asakuchi and is easiest to reach by car, with parking available on site. Public observation nights are held on specific dates only, so checking the schedule in advance is strongly recommended.
The 74-inch (188 cm) telescope at the site was used in the discovery of several exoplanets, even though it was not originally built for that purpose. These findings helped push forward the international search for planets beyond our solar system.
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