Active mirror supports in VLT M1 cell

The primary mirrors (M1) of the four Unit Telescopes weigh 22 tonnes, measure 8.2 m across and are only 17 cm thick. Each of them rests on 150 computer-controlled supports that are installed in an exceedingly rigid M1 Cell that weighs about 11 tonnes. The supports are an integral part of the VLT Active Optics system which ensures that the large mirrors always have the optimal shape.

Credit:

ESO

About the Image

Id:eso9940a
Type:Photographic
Release date:13 August 1999
Related releases:eso9940
Size:3000 x 1875 px

About the Object

Name:Very Large Telescope
Type:Unspecified : Technology : Observatory : Telescope
Category:Paranal

Image Formats

Large JPEG
2.2 MB
Screensize JPEG
387.5 KB

Wallpapers

1024x768
509.3 KB
1280x1024
770.8 KB
1600x1200
1.0 MB
1920x1200
1.2 MB
2048x1536
1.5 MB