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Article: First telescope with active optics. (New Technology Telescope to be installed at European Southern Observatory)
- Article from:
- Science News
- Article date:
- March 19, 1988
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1988 Science Service, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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First telescope with active optics
The world's first telescope for general astronomical use with "active" computer-controlled optics is about to be installed at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) at Cerro La Silla, Chile. Unlike traditional telescope mirrors, the 3.58-meter mirror of this New Technology Telescope (NTT) does not depend on the thickness of glass to keep its shape. It is only 24 centimeters thick, and is thus quite flexible. Therefore, its shape will be maintained by active supports pressing against its back under the control of a computer. ESO astronomers hope to begin observations with the telescope by the end of this year.
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