Artificial stars over Paranal

At the isolated Very Large Telescope (VLT) at ESO's Paranal Observatory, the arid desert offers near perfect conditions for observations. However, the atmosphere still distorts light from distant objects, and astronomers often use 'reference stars' with known properties to compare and correct images. But if a suitable star isn't available, the VLT now has a perfect solution - simulate one! The new system of four lasers allows astronomers to create artificial reference stars to improve their results.

Credit:

ESO/F. Kamphues

About the Video

Id:fk_vlt_paranal_view_night
Release date:12 September 2016, 15:00
Related announcements:ann16060
Duration:10 s
Frame rate:30 fps

About the Object

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

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