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Gran Telescopio de Canarias The Gran Telescopio de Canarias (GTC) The Gran Telescopio de Canarias (GTC) is the world’s largest single-aperture optical telescope. It is located at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on La Palma Island, part of the Canary Islands. Description The GTC features an impressive primary mirror with a diameter of 10.4 metres, making it the largest optical telescope in the world. The telescope’s mirror is made up of 36 hexagonal segments that work together as a single unit to form a circular surface. This design enables the GTC to capture an extraordinary amount of light, allowing for detailed observations of distant and faint celestial objects.   Fuente de la fotografía: www.iac.es Technical Details Location: The Roque de los Muchachos Observatory is situated at an altitude of 2,396 metres on the summit of La Palma Island, one of the Canary Islands. This location offers optimal observing conditions due to its high altitude and clear skies. Mirror Segments: The primary mirror of the GTC is composed of 36 hexagonal segments, each with a diameter of 1.9 metres. These segments are arranged in a honeycomb pattern and work in concert to form a single, large optical surface. Adaptive Optics: The GTC is equipped with advanced adaptive optics systems that correct for atmospheric distortions, providing sharper images and improved observation quality. These systems adjust the mirror segments in real-time to compensate for the blurring effects caused by the Earth’s atmosphere. Scientific Impact The GTC is a powerful tool for astronomers and astrophysicists, offering capabilities that significantly enhance our understanding of the universe. The telescope’s observations contribute to various fields of research, including: Galactic Studies: The GTC helps in the study of the formation and evolution of galaxies, allowing scientists to explore the structure and dynamics of these vast cosmic systems.

Visits to the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory on La Palma: A Unique Experience in astro-tourism Discover the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory The Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory, located on the island of La Palma, is one of the most fascinating destinations for astro-tourism lovers. Located at an altitude of 2,396 metres above sea level, this observatory offers exceptional conditions for astronomical observation, thanks to its clear sky free of light pollution. The Gran Telescopio de Canarias: The World's Largest Telescope One of the jewels of the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory is the Gran Telescopio de Canarias (GTC), the largest optical-infrared telescope in the world. With a primary mirror 10.4 metres in diameter, the GTC allows scientists to observe the universe with unprecedented precision. Night-time observatory The Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory has 16 active telescopes. All of them for night-time observation in the visual or near-infrared range or Large Size Telescopes (LST) for Cherenkov radiation (gamma rays). It has only one active solar telescope: the Swedish Solar Telescope (Swedish Solar Telescope). If you want to know more about the Roque's telescopes or its experiments here is the link: https://www.iac.es/en/observatorios-de-canarias/roque-de-los-muchachos-observatory/telescopes-and-experiments Guided Visits to the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory Our astro-tourism company offers you the opportunity to live an unforgettable experience with guided visits to the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory. We have specialised Starlight guides who will explain in detail how the telescopes work and the importance of the astronomical research carried out here. What do our guided tours include? Tour of the facilities: You will learn about the different telescopes and their functions. You will learn why the sky of La Palma is one of the best in the world. Visit to the Gran Telescopio de Canarias: Explore the interior of the largest telescope in the