Preparing for observations at Paranal

Night Falls at Paranal — Preparing for the Observations

KUEYEN is tilted towards the horizontal position during a test exposure sequence. (Photo obtained on March 23, 2000).

Astronomical observations begin soon after sunset at Paranal.

Normally, they start with a series of test and calibration exposures that serve to determine the exact status of the various instruments, e.g., in terms of sensitivity at different wavelengths.

Some of these exposures are performed on a white target on the inside of the telescope enclosure, others are made on the sky, as it gets progressively darker.

If they are included in a programme, observations of comparatively bright objects may be carried out while the sky is still relatively bright. However, those of the faintest objects must wait until the period of "astronomical twilight" is over, i.e., when the Sun is at least 18° below the horizon.

Crédit:

ESO/H.H.Heyer

À propos de l'image

Identification:eso0021f
Type:Photographique
Date de publication:16 juin 2000
Communiqués de presse en rapport:eso0021
Taille:7370 x 8856 px

À propos de l'objet

Nom:Very Large Telescope, VLT Unit Telescopes
Type:Unspecified : Technology : Observatory : Telescope
Catégorie:Paranal

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