C. Donald Shane Telescope, Research telescope at Lick Observatory, Mount Hamilton, US
The C. Donald Shane Telescope is a research telescope on Mount Hamilton in California, with a primary mirror close to 3 meters (about 10 feet) across. It has three focal stations, each designed for a different type of astronomical observation, and houses several instruments including a double spectrograph.
The telescope began operating in 1959 and at that time ranked as the second-largest optical telescope in the world. Its primary mirror had originally been planned for a different project before being redirected to this instrument.
The telescope serves as a learning center where University of California students gain practical experience in observing the night sky and analyzing astronomical data. Visitors can witness how researchers work here and train the next generation of astronomers.
The telescope sits at high elevation on Mount Hamilton, so visitors should give themselves time to adjust to the thinner air before rushing around. Clear nights offer the best conditions for observations, and it is worth checking in advance what visiting options are available.
The telescope uses a laser guide star system that projects a visible beam of green light into the sky, which can be seen from the ground below. This system works by creating an artificial reference point in the upper atmosphere that helps produce sharper images.
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