National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand

National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand or NARIT is a research institute under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.[1] Its main missions are to carry out, support, and promote the development of astronomy and astrophysics in Thailand through research, public outreach, and educational activities.

National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand
สถาบันวิจัยดาราศาสตร์แห่งชาติ
NARIT
Public organization overview
Formed2004
Typeresearch institute
JurisdictionGovernment of Thailand
HeadquartersChiang Mai, Thailand
Public organization executive
  • Saran Poshyachinda, Ph.D., Director
Parent departmentMinistry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation
Websitewww.narit.or.th

NARIT was first established in 2004 as NARI (National Astronomical Research Institute), a statutory government institute under the Ministry of Science and Technology, to commemorate His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 80th birthday. On 27 December 2008, the status of NARIT was changed to a non-profit governmental public organization.[2]

The Thai National Observatory (TNO) is NARIT's main facility, atop Thailand's highest mountain, Doi Inthanon in Doi Inthanon National Park, Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai Province.[3][4][5] In 2020, NARIT completed the construction of the Thai National Radio Telescope (TNRT), a 40m single-dish short-millimetre telescope in Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Centre at Doi Saket District in Chiang Mai Province.[6][7]

Vision

A Southeast Asia leading institute in astronomy research.

Mission

To explore in-depth knowledge of the universe through scientific research.

Functions

  1. Conducting research in astronomy and related fields
  2. Building the research infrastructures in astronomy
  3. Establishing international and national research and academic cooperation networks in astronomy
  4. Pursuing knowledge and technology transfer in the field of astronomy

Research and development

Astronomical research at NARIT ranges from study of solar system to Galactic Astronomy, to Extragalactic Astrophysics and Cosmology. The research works being supported and encouraged by the institute can be divided into 4 areas namely;

  1. Impact from Space on Earth and Human
  2. Understanding Physics of the Universe
  3. The Study of Exoplanets and Search for Sign of Life outside the Solar System
  4. Understanding the Origin of the Cosmos

References

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