description Lijiang Observatory Overview
Lijiang Observatory is an astronomical observing site in Yunnan, China, operated by the Yunnan Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Its principal instrument is the 2.4-meter Lijiang Telescope, an optical telescope used for spectroscopy, photometry, and monitoring objects whose brightness or spectra change over time. The facility supports professional research on stars, galaxies, supernovae, active galactic nuclei, and other time-variable phenomena.
help Lijiang Observatory FAQ
Where is the Lijiang Observatory located?
It sits at a high-altitude site near Gaomeigu in Yunnan Province, southwestern China, at an elevation of roughly 3,200 meters. It is operated by the Yunnan Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
What is the main telescope at Lijiang Observatory?
Its principal instrument is the 2.4-meter Lijiang Telescope, an optical telescope used for spectroscopy, photometry, and monitoring of variable objects. When it entered service in the mid-2000s, it was among the largest general-purpose optical telescopes in China.
Why was an observatory built at this site in Yunnan?
The high elevation, dark skies, and relatively high number of clear nights on the Yunnan plateau make it one of China's best locations for optical astronomy. Those conditions support the telescope's long-term monitoring work, such as follow-up observations of transient events.
Is Lijiang Observatory part of a larger network?
Yes, it operates under the Yunnan Observatories, an institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which also runs facilities in and around Kunming. The 2.4-meter telescope contributes data to national and international research programs.
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