Major Atmospheric Gamma Imaging Cherenkov Telescopes

The Major Atmospheric Gamma Imaging Cherenkov Telescopes consist of two 17-meter diameter telescopes positioned about 85 meters apart at 2200 meters elevation on La Palma. The instruments detect high-energy gamma radiation by capturing Cherenkov radiation produced by particle showers in Earth's atmosphere.

The first telescope began operations in 2004 and was joined by a second one in 2009 to enhance observation capabilities. This gradual expansion allowed the facility to perform more sensitive and diverse measurements.

The site hosts researchers from multiple European countries working together on observations and discoveries. This international collaboration shapes the location as a center for modern astronomical research.

The site sits on a high mountain, so visitors should be prepared for thinner air and cooler temperatures. The best time to visit is during drier months when cloud cover and atmospheric interference are minimal.

In 2006 the facility detected high-energy cosmic radiation from quasar 3C 279, located billions of light-years away. This observation changed understanding of how cosmic radiation travels across such enormous distances.

Location: La Palma

Inception: 2004

Elevation above the sea: 2,200 m

Diameter: 17 m

Part of: Roque de los Muchachos Observatory

Website: https://magic.mpp.mpg.de

GPS coordinates: 28.76194,-17.89000

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:53