Purple Mountain Observatory， CAS

The Purple Mountain Observatory (PMO) evolved from the former Institute of Astronomy, which was established in 1928 as one of the first eight institutes of the Academia Sinica. In 1934, the institute completed the construction of the observatory at Purple Mountain in Nanjing and the Institute of Astronomy changed its name to PMO in 1950. PMO is known as the “Cradle of Modern Astronomy in China” not only because it was China’s first modern astronomical institute, but also because it was the originator of most subdisciplines of Chinese astronomy and the sponsor of subsequent CAS astronomical institutions. PMO’s research focuses on high-energy astrophysics, solar physics and space astronomy exploration technology; star formation through the universe and corresponding terahertz technology; artificial satellite orbital dynamics and probe methods; planetary science, ephemeral astronomy and deep space exploration; and observational cosmology and galaxy formation. By 2020, PMO aims to use a space-based probe of dark matter to solve major scientific problems; develop technology related to Antarctic astronomy in order to construct related “big science” facilities; and improve the system for observing objects and debris in space in order to support the nation’s aerospace programs. PMO’s research in astrophysics and celestial mechanics is grouped into four divisions: dark matter and space astronomy, Antarctic astronomy and radio astronomy, applied celestial mechanics and space objects and debris, and planetary sciences and deep space exploration. Each division consists of research groups, observation stations, and laboratories. PMO houses four CAS key laboratories (Radio Astronomy, Space Object and Debris Observation, Dark Matter and Space Astronomy, Planetary Sciences) and two CAS research centers (Space Object and Debris Observation and Research, and Antarctic Astronomy). PMO has also established seven observation stations in China.