Rapid Eye Mount telescope

The Rapid Eye Mount telescope comprises a 60-centimeter primary mirror and a 23-centimeter secondary mirror at 2375 meters elevation in the Coquimbo Region.

The telescope initiated its scientific operations in October 2002 under management of the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics from Brera Observatory.

The telescope serves the international astronomical community by monitoring gamma-ray bursts detected through the NASA Swift satellite communication network.

The telescope rotates automatically toward targeted sky coordinates within 30 seconds after receiving signal alerts from orbiting satellites.

In 2007, the telescope measured material from gamma-ray bursts moving at 99.999 percent of light speed, marking a first in astronomical observations.

Elevation above the sea: 2,375 m

Diameter: 0.6 m

Part of: La Silla Observatory

Website: http://rem.inaf.it

GPS coordinates: -29.25000,-70.73333

Latest update: March 23, 2025 16:27