Carlsberg Meridian Telescope, Meridian circle telescope at Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, La Palma, Spain.
The Carlsberg Meridian Telescope is a refracting instrument with an optical diameter of 17.8 cm and a focal length of 266 cm, built specifically for precision measurements. This design allowed it to track stars crossing the meridian and simultaneously gather data on how Earth's atmosphere affects light from distant objects.
The telescope began operations in May 1984 and remained active until September 2013, undergoing multiple technical upgrades throughout its working life. During these decades, it produced 11 catalogs of astronomical data that served the global research community.
The telescope bears the name of its Danish origin and represents cooperation between research institutions from multiple countries working toward a shared goal. Visitors to the observatory can trace how these partnerships connected scientists across Europe in pursuit of precise astronomical knowledge.
The instrument sits at 2,396 meters (7,861 feet) elevation on La Palma, where consistently clear skies create ideal viewing conditions for astronomical work. Visitors to this high-altitude site should prepare for cool temperatures and intense UV exposure.
The telescope was designed specifically to measure stars passing directly overhead, a technique that has become less common in modern astronomy. This specialization made it valuable for precise celestial surveys during an era before digital methods became widespread.
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