What is the purpose of the Keck Observatory?

What is the purpose of the Keck Observatory?

From Hawaii’s Maunakea, astronomers around the world use W. M. Keck Observatory to observe the universe with unprecedented power and precision. The twin Keck Observatory telescopes are the world’s most scientifically productive optical and infrared telescopes.

What makes the setting of the Keck Observatory ideal for making astronomical observations?

Because it is so near the equator, Mauna Kea makes an excellent astronomical observation site. “In the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii Island is surrounded by thousands of miles of thermally stable seas,” the Keck Observatory wrote on its website.

Why was the Keck telescope built?

After countless iterations and debates, Jerry Nelson – who would become the principal designer of the Keck Observatory telescopes – convinced the University of California (UC), which was thinking of building a 7-meter telescope, to allow him and Terry Mast of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) to develop …

Is the Keck telescope reflecting or refracting?

Currently, the largest reflecting telescopes in operating are the two Keck 10-meter telescopes on Mauna Kea in Hawaii: Use 36 smaller hexagonal segments to build up the collecting area, all working together under computer control.

Are the Keck telescopes still in use?

Left: The summit of Mauna Kea is considered one of the world’s most important astronomical viewing sites. The twin Keck telescopes are among the largest optical/near-infrared instruments currently in use around the world.

How much did the Keck telescope cost?

The first Keck telescope will cost about $87 million, and the second is expected to cost $93.3 million, of which the Keck Foundation has agreed to pay 80 percent, or $74.6 million. The University of California, which shares sponsorship of the project with the California Institute of Technology, will pay the rest.

How far can the Keck telescope see?

10 billion light years away
With a light-gathering mirror that measures 10 meters (400 inches) in diameter, the Keck Telescope will essentially double the observation range of any existing telescope, bringing into view objects more than 10 billion light years away (one light year is equal to about 6 trillion miles).

What discoveries has the Keck telescope made?

10 Amazing Space Discoveries by the Keck Observatory

• Introduction.
• First Alien Planetary Transit Prediction (1999)
• Tripling Andromeda’s Size (2005)
• Helping Kill Pluto (2005)
• Center of the Milky Way (2000)
• Charting the Universe’s Baby Boom (2003)
• Universe’s Accelerating Growth (2005)

Which island is the Keck Observatory?

Hawaii Island
Keck Observatory, astronomical observatory located near the 4,200-metre (13,800-foot) summit of Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano on north-central Hawaii Island, Hawaii, U.S. Keck’s twin 10-metre (394-inch) telescopes, housed in separate domes, constitute the largest optical telescope system of the burgeoning multi- …

Can people visit the Keck Observatory?

Visitors can view models and images of the twin 10-meter Keck Observatory telescopes as well as hear about our latest discoveries and outreach programs. We also sell merchandise, including shirts and hats. Our headquarters is located at 65-1120 Mamalahoa Hwy in the town of Waimea. We welcome your visit.

Can you see the Milky Way from Mauna Kea?

The best bit is that you actually don’t need a telescope to enjoy stargazing on Mauna Kea. So clear is the sky and so high up is the mountain that you’ll be able to spot so many different constellations and even the Milky Way with just the naked eye.

Do you need 4WD for Mauna Kea?

You need a 4WD vehicle to drive to the summit of MaunaKea. No 2-wheel drive vehicles are allowed past the end of the paved road just above the VIS. Most 4WD rental agencies do not allow their vehicles to be taken up to MaunaKea but have a look at Harpers Car Rentals for rental cars that you can take up to the summit.

What can the Keck Observatory do for You?

For decades, the Keck Observatory has provided invaluable data for exoplanet researchers as well as planetary scientists studying celestial objects in our own solar system. Data from Keck informs numerous studies supported by the NASA Astrobiology Program.

What are the Keck telescopes?

This opens in a new window. The twin Keck Observatory telescopes are the world’s most scientifically productive optical and infrared telescopes. Each telescope weighs 300 tons and operates with nanometer precision.

Where is the Keck Observatory located in Hawaii?

Ethan Tweedie/W.M. Keck Observatory The W.M. Keck Observatory is located at the summit of Maunakea on Hawai’i. Maunakea is a place of immense reverance and cultural importance within the indigenous Hawaiian community.

What is the Keck collaboration?

This collaboration is composed of twelve nonprofit independent institutions that maintain telescopes located on Maunakea on the island of Hawai‘i. The twin Keck telescopes are the largest fully steerable optical/infrared telescopes on Earth and are able to see fainter and further into the cosmos than any other current research facility.