INO
Iranian National Observatory
Operational
The Iranian National Observatory (INO) is Iran’s flagship astronomical facility, located at ~3600 m altitude on Mount Gargash (near Kashan). The main instrument is the INO340, a 3.4 m optical telescope (Alt-Az mount with active optics, hydrostatic bearing, and hexapod secondary). It supports spectroscopy, imaging, wide-field surveys (via INOLA lens array), transients, and site monitoring. First light achieved in 2022; it is now operational and one of the largest telescopes in the region.
| Commissioning: | 2022 |
Institute for research in fundamental sciences
https://www.ipm.ac.ir/
SCIENTIFIC DOMAINS
Observational Astronomy, Astrophysics, Cosmology
Key words: astrophysics
SCIENTIFIC GOALS
- Conducting high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy for studies of stars, galaxies, transients (e.g., GRBs), and cosmology.
- Enabling wide-field surveys and monitoring programs.
- Training next-generation Iranian astronomers and fostering international collaborations.
- Exploring stellar halos, variable objects, and deep imaging (e.g., M33 halo studies).
FACILITIES
3.4 m INO340 optical telescope + enclosure/dome
Wide-angle survey station (INOLA)
Site monitoring (weather, seeing)
Service building with control room and mirror coating hall
CHALLENGES
• Providing world-class observational capabilities in the Middle East.
• Studying transient events, exoplanets, dark matter/energy probes, and galactic archaeology.
• Overcoming site challenges (high altitude) while leveraging excellent seeing
PARTNERSHIP PROPOSAL
Iranian Government