Rapid Eye Mount telescope, Robotic telescope at La Silla Observatory, Chile
The Rapid Eye Mount telescope is a robotic observatory in the Coquimbo Region at 2375 meters elevation, equipped with a 60-centimeter primary mirror and a 23-centimeter secondary mirror. The facility operates by remote control and can adjust its position automatically.
The telescope began operations in October 2002 under management by the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics from Brera Observatory. It was created to quickly respond to satellite signals and monitor sky phenomena.
The telescope serves the international astronomical community by monitoring gamma-ray bursts detected through the NASA Swift satellite communication network.
The telescope operates automatically and can respond to sky positions within 30 seconds when it receives satellite signals. Visitors should note that the high altitude may cause breathing issues and the site is accessible only with special permission.
In 2007, the telescope observed material from gamma-ray bursts moving at 99.999 percent of light speed. This was among the first direct measurements of such extreme velocities in astronomy.
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