Princeton University Astrophysical Sciences Special Talk

The University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory (TAO) is a project to operate a 6.5-meter telescope, optimized for infrared observations at the summit of Mt. Chajnantor in Atacama, Chile. The high altitude (5640m) and low water vapor of the site provide wide asmospheric windows especially in the infrared wavelength up to 38 micron. Excellent properties of the site was confirmed by observations with the mini-TAO 1-m telescope built in 2009. The first generation infrared instruments are being comissioned at the Subaru telescope this year. The current status of the TAO project as well as near future prospect will be given in the talk.