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Observatories and Instruments

Gran Telescopio Canarias

Ground-Based Optical Observatories

A Spanish-led optical and infrared telescope on La Palma in the Canary Islands, completed in 2009 with a segmented 10.4-meter primary mirror that made it, at the time, the largest single-aperture optical telescope in the world. Built through a partnership between Spain, Mexico and the University of Florida.

Facts
Observatory Type
Segmented mirror reflecting telescope with a 10.4 meter aperture 2
Operational
from 2009 2
Measures
Visible and near infrared light from 0.365 to 1.05 micrometers through its OSIRIS instrument 2
Operating Principle
Segmented primary mirror of 36 hexagonal segments controlled by an active optics control system 2
Classification
Observing Band
Optical / Visible 1
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Source Wikipedia: Gran Telescopio Canarias - WikipediaLead sentence 1
Quote, Lead sentence 1
The Gran Telescopio Canarias (GranTeCan or GTC) is a 10.4 m (410 in) reflecting telescope located at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on the island of La Palma, in the Canary Islands, Spain.
Sources
1. Wikipedia (space and spaceflight articles)
Wikimedia Foundation
2. Wikipedia: Gran Telescopio Canarias - Wikipedia
  • Lead section
    a 10.4 m (410 in) reflecting telescope
  • History section
    formally opened its shutters on July 24, 2009, inaugurated by King Juan Carlos I of Spain
  • Instruments section
    wavelengths from 0.365 to 1.05 micrometers
  • Design section
    36 hexagonal segments fully controlled by an active optics control system
  • Gran Telescopio Canarias, Wikipedia - lead section, observing band (optical)
    It is the world's largest single-aperture optical telescope.
  • Part Of: Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, Gran Telescopio Canarias
    The Gran Telescopio Canarias (GranTeCan or GTC) is a 10.4 m (410 in) reflecting telescope located at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on the island of La Palma, in the Canary Islands, Spain.
  • In Group: Optical Observatories of Europe, Lead sentence
    The Gran Telescopio Canarias (GranTeCan or GTC) is a 10.4 m (410 in) reflecting telescope located at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on the island of La Palma, in the Canary Islands, Spain.
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