Astronomical Observation in Mexico Transitioning from the Visible to the Invisible: A Brief Historical Overview

Abstract

This work presents a historical overview of astronomy in Mexico, highlighting its close relationship with the development of optical instrumentation. It examines the earliest observation methods based on architectural alignments and rudimentary optical artifacts in the pre-Hispanic era, as well as the introduction of optics in cartography and navigation during the colonial period. The study explores the advances in the construction of astronomical observatories in Mexico, from the establishment of the National Astronomical Observatory to the modernization of infrastructure with the implementation of large-aperture telescopes and specialized detectors. Finally, it discusses the most recent developments, including the Gran Telescopio Milimétrico Alfonso Serrano( GTM) and the High Altitude Water Cherenkov(HAWC) Observatory, emphasizing their impact on the exploration of the universe through millimeter and high-energy observations. The study underscores how the evolution of optical instrumentation has been a key factor in advancing astronomical knowledge in Mexico and its integration into global scientific research.