The Large Binocular Telescope fifteen years after first light

Christian Veillet; John M. Hill

doi:10.1117/12.2630669

29 August 2022 The Large Binocular Telescope fifteen years after first light

Christian Veillet, John M. Hill

Proceedings Volume 12186, Observatory Operations: Strategies, Processes, and Systems IX; 121861A (2022) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2630669
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2022, Montréal, Québec, Canada

Abstract

The telescope on Mt. Graham in southeastern Arizona boasts two 8.4-meter diameter primary mirrors mounted side-by-side to produce a collecting area equivalent to an 11.8-meter circular aperture and offer the diffraction-limited resolution of a 22.65-meter telescope. First light happened in 2006 (single mirror) and 2007 (both mirrors). We will present a holistic view of the past fifteen years, looking at successes and challenges unfolding with the arrival of instruments, AO systems and an interferometer which made the LBT the first of the ELTs. The move to full time efficient operations was more challenging than anticipated, stemming from the nature of LBT itself, the initial paradigm of its operation, and the nature of its partnership. The evolution of the usual metrics will provide valuable lessons learned and demonstrate LBT’s potential for the next decade. After all, LBT is still the largest operational optical telescope on a single mount and will be for a few more years.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Christian Veillet and John M. Hill "The Large Binocular Telescope fifteen years after first light", Proc. SPIE 12186, Observatory Operations: Strategies, Processes, and Systems IX, 121861A (29 August 2022); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2630669

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