National Astronomical Observatory of Japan

The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (国立天文台, NAOJ) is Japan's leading astronomical research organisation, with facilities spread across Japan as well as sites in Hawaii and Chile.

About National Astronomical Observatory of Japan

NAOJ was formed as an amalgamation of three existing organisations: the Tokyo Astronomical Observatory of the University of Tokyo, the International Latitude Observatory of Mizusawa, and part of the Research Institute of Atmospherics at Nagoya University.

History

The observatory was established in 1988 by bringing these three institutions together. In a 2004 reform of Japan's national research organisations, NAOJ became a division of the National Institutes of Natural Sciences.

Location & getting there

NAOJ's main facility is in Japan, with its international observing sites extending to Hawaii's Mauna Kea and locations in Chile, reflecting how far its research reach extends beyond Japan itself.

Visiting National Astronomical Observatory of Japan

NAOJ maintains a public-facing website with information on its facilities. Check the official NAOJ website for current visiting hours and program details at its various sites before travelling.

See your named star from here

With observing stations spanning Japan, Hawaii and Chile, NAOJ's network covers a huge stretch of the night sky. Staff at facilities like this can be given the coordinates of any star named through Star Register. Name a star or browse the star catalogue.