VLT shows off its new adaptive optics system

This image shows one of the Unit Telescopes of ESO's Very Large Telescope array (VLT), the most productive individual ground-based facility in the world. The VLT consists of an array of four telescopes, each with a main mirror of 8.2 metres diameter, that can observe together or individually. In part due to its clever Adaptive Optics system, which uses a Laser Guide Star that can be seen in this image, the VLT is the world's most advanced optical instrument; it is a formidable science machine.

Both the Large and Small Magellanic clouds can be seen in the night sky behind the VLT telescope in this image.

This image was taken by ESO Photo Ambassador Juan Carlos Muñoz-Mateos.