223
from the University of Florida, the Institute of Astronomy of the National
Autonomous University of Mexico, and the National Institute of Astrophysics,
Optics, and Electronics of Mexico Also present were the Management
Committee of the IAC and other astrophysicists, among them Brian May, the
famous Queen guitarist.
After a light supper and a few talks, we went up to the telescope building
and examined the large instrument in detail. At around midnight, with all of
us in the control room, manoeuvres were initiated to point the telescope at
the Pole Star. Next, the separate images of the star formed by each of the hexagonal segments that make up the large primary of the GTC were stacked on
top of each other. It was most exciting to watch, as each segment was adjusted,
how the initial multiple Pole Stars were blended into a single image. When
this was achieved spontaneous applause broke out. Amidst emotional laughter and congratulations, the moment was toasted with Canarian sparkling
wine. Before retiring for the night, the guests were served with soup and hot
drinks at the Residence. A night to remember, forming one of the best memories to salve the wounds from so many battles.
Astronomical observing commenced in March 2009 with the first available
instrument, OSIRIS (an intermediate-resolution optical spectrograph with
imaging capabilities). With the telescope now in operation, its inauguration
Fig. 21.3 Inauguration of the GTC at Roque de los Muchachos Observatory in 2009.
(Credit: IAC)
21 The Biggest, Most Advanced Telescope in the World (1989–Present)
from the University of Florida, the Institute of Astronomy of the National
Autonomous University of Mexico, and the National Institute of Astrophysics,
Optics, and Electronics of Mexico Also present were the Management
Committee of the IAC and other astrophysicists, among them Brian May, the
famous Queen guitarist.
After a light supper and a few talks, we went up to the telescope building
and examined the large instrument in detail. At around midnight, with all of
us in the control room, manoeuvres were initiated to point the telescope at
the Pole Star. Next, the separate images of the star formed by each of the hexagonal segments that make up the large primary of the GTC were stacked on
top of each other. It was most exciting to watch, as each segment was adjusted,
how the initial multiple Pole Stars were blended into a single image. When
this was achieved spontaneous applause broke out. Amidst emotional laughter and congratulations, the moment was toasted with Canarian sparkling
wine. Before retiring for the night, the guests were served with soup and hot
drinks at the Residence. A night to remember, forming one of the best memories to salve the wounds from so many battles.
Astronomical observing commenced in March 2009 with the first available
instrument, OSIRIS (an intermediate-resolution optical spectrograph with
imaging capabilities). With the telescope now in operation, its inauguration
Fig. 21.3 Inauguration of the GTC at Roque de los Muchachos Observatory in 2009.
(Credit: IAC)
21 The Biggest, Most Advanced Telescope in the World (1989–Present)