The most powerful laser guide star system in the world sees first light at the Paranal Observatory

On 26 April 2016 an event at ESO’s Paranal Observatory in Chile marked the brilliant first light for the four powerful lasers that form a crucial part of the adaptive optics systems on ESO’s Very Large Telescope. Attendees were treated to a spectacular display of cutting-edge laser technology against the majestic skies of Paranal. These are the most powerful laser guide stars ever used for astronomy and mark the first use of multiple laser guide stars at ESO.

This spectacular aerial video sequence shows the four beams emerging from the new laser system on Unit Telescope 4 of the VLT.

Credit:

G. Hüdepohl (atacamaphoto.com)/ESO

About the Video

Id:eso1613g
Release date:27 April 2016, 11:00
Related releases:eso1613
Related announcements:ann16060
Duration:02 m 36 s
Frame rate:30 fps

About the Object

Name:Laser Guide Star
Type:Unspecified : Technology : Observatory : Telescope
Category:Paranal

HD


Medium

Video Podcast
39.4 MB

For Broadcasters