Mount Graham International Observatory, Astronomical observatory on Mount Graham, Arizona, US.
Mount Graham International Observatory is an astronomical research facility located in the Pinaleño Mountains of southeastern Arizona at about 3,200 meters elevation. The site houses several major telescopes operated by scientists from around the world for studying distant objects in space.
Construction of Mount Graham International Observatory began in 1989, after the US Congress authorised the project, which was first called the Columbus Project. The Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope and the Heinrich Hertz Submillimeter Telescope began operating in 1993. The Large Binocular Telescope used its two mirrors independently from 2004 and jointly from 2008.
The San Carlos Apache Tribal Council maintains opposition to the observatory's construction on their ancestral mountain, which holds religious importance for Western Apache peoples.
Access to the site is limited and visitors can join guided tours during warmer months, though advance arrangements are necessary. It's best to check conditions beforehand since availability and weather can affect when the location is accessible.
Scientists from multiple nations conduct research at the observatory, using instruments including the Large Binocular Telescope, which features two 8.4-meter mirrors.
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