Gemini South Observatory's Laser Guide Star | NOIRLab

Gemini South Observatory's Laser Guide Star | NOIRLab

The Gemini South Telescope, half of the International Gemini Observatory, shines a low power laser into the sky to create a laser guide star. This laser guide star serves as a reference for the telescope's adaptive optics system so that it can 'cancel out' the effect of atmospheric turbulence on the images of its actual targets. The Gemini South telescope is located on a mountain in the Chilean Andes called Cerro Pachón, where very dry air and negligible cloud cover make this another prime telescope location.

Learn more about the Gemini South Telescope:
https://noirlab.edu/public/programs/gemini-observatory/gemini-south/

Video Credit: International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA
Duration: 33 seconds
Release Date: Nov. 25, 2023

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