Gran Telescopio Canarias
Optical telescope on La Palma, Spain / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Gran Telescopio Canarias?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
The Gran Telescopio Canarias (GranTeCan or GTC) is a 10.4 m (410 in) reflecting telescope located at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on the island of La Palma, in the Canary Islands, Spain. It is the world's largest single-aperture optical telescope.[1]
Alternative names | GranTeCan |
---|---|
Part of | Unique Scientific and Technical Infrastructures Roque de los Muchachos Observatory |
Location(s) | La Palma, Garafía, La Palma, Spain |
Coordinates | 28°45′24″N 17°53′31″W |
Organization | Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias National Autonomous University of Mexico University of Florida |
Observatory code | Z18 |
Altitude | 2,267 m (7,438 ft) |
Built | 2002–2008 (2002–2008) |
First light | 13 July 2007 |
Telescope style | Ritchey–Chrétien telescope |
Diameter | 10.4 m (34 ft 1 in) |
Collecting area | 78.54 m2 (845.4 sq ft) |
Focal length | 169.9 m (557 ft 5 in) |
Website | www |
Related media on Commons | |
Construction of the telescope took seven years and cost €130 million.[2][3] Its installation was hampered by weather conditions and the logistical difficulties of transporting equipment to such a remote location.[4] First light was achieved in 2007 and scientific observations began in 2009.[citation needed]
The GTC Project is a partnership formed by several institutions from Spain and Mexico, the University of Florida, the National Autonomous University of Mexico,[5] and the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC). Planning for the construction of the telescope, which started in 1987, involved more than 1,000 people from 100 companies.[3] The division of telescope time reflects the structure of its financing: 90% Spain, 5% Mexico and 5% the University of Florida.