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 image shows the new laser system on Unit Telescope 4 of the VLT. The black units just above the centre are the laser launch telescopes and the lasers themselves and the support electronics boxes appear to the sides of them.