ESO 3.6 m Telescope

The ESO 3.6-meter telescope features a clear aperture and operates with a primary mirror constructed from fused silica at 2400 meters elevation.

The telescope began operations in 1977 as one of the largest optical instruments in the Southern Hemisphere and received major upgrades in 1999.

Scientists from multiple European nations collaborate at this facility to conduct research in astronomy and contribute to scientific publications.

The telescope maintains specific operational limits, functioning up to 70 degrees zenithal distance with a pointing error of 5 arcseconds RMS.

HARPS spectrograph, installed on this telescope, leads worldwide discoveries of low-mass planets outside our solar system through radial velocity measurements.

Elevation above the sea: 2,400 m

Diameter: 3.566 m

Part of: La Silla Observatory

Website: https://eso.org/sci/facilities/lasilla/telescopes/3p6.html

GPS coordinates: -29.26097,-70.73169

Latest update: March 12, 2025 10:35