Giant Magellan Telescope

The Giant Magellan Telescope is a Gregorian telescope at Las Campanas Observatory in Chile, using seven mirror segments. The main structure rises 65 meters above the ground and carries an optical system whose aperture measures more than 25 meters.

Construction began in the 2010s and uses land where research instruments have operated since 1969. The facility extends capabilities already created by earlier telescopes at the same site.

International research institutions collaborate at this location, advancing scientific knowledge through observational technologies and astronomical discoveries in the southern hemisphere.

The site sits over 2500 meters (8200 feet) high in the Atacama Desert and offers more than 300 clear nights per year. Low humidity and isolation from urban light sources provide good observing conditions.

The seven mirrors were cast individually and each required several years to manufacture. Polishing each segment was done to a precision smaller than a human hair thickness.

Location: Coquimbo Region

Location: Atacama Region

Elevation above the sea: 2,516 m

Height: 65 m

Diameter: 3.2 m

Part of: US Extremely Large Telescope Program

Website: https://giantmagellan.org

GPS coordinates: -29.04833,-70.68361

Latest update: December 13, 2025 19:20