Southern African Large Telescope, Optical telescope in Sutherland, South Africa
The Southern African Large Telescope is an optical observatory in Sutherland built from 91 hexagonal mirrors arranged together to form a surface 10 meters across. These segments create a curved reflective surface that gathers light from distant sky objects and directs it to a single focal point.
Construction began in the late 1990s as a joint effort by several countries, including South Africa and European partners. The facility opened in 2005 and marked a turning point for astronomy on the African continent.
The name celebrates southern hemisphere astronomy and brings research close to visitors who tour the site. Guests can see how local scientists work alongside international colleagues, studying the cosmos from below the equator.
The site sits at roughly 1780 meters elevation in a dry, clear region well suited for sky observation. Visitors should bring warm clothing, as nights turn cool, and be prepared for uneven paths around the outdoor areas.
Each of the 91 mirror elements is controlled individually by computer and adjusts its position several times per second. This constant fine-tuning compensates for temperature shifts and wind effects so that all mirrors together produce a sharp image.
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