The Ta-180m (gamma, gamma') Ta-180 reaction was induced by gamma rays from
a strong Co-60 source. Population of the ground state was observed (effecti
ve cross section 0.12 +/- 0.02 mu barns) with an integrated cross section o
f 0.13 +/- 0.04 mu barns MeV through mediating levels assumed near 1 MeV. T
ransition multipolarities and astrophysical consequences are discussed.