Large Binocular Telescope

The Large Binocular Telescope is a join project of the Italian astronomical community (represented by the Instituto Nazionale di Astrofisica[?] (INAF)), the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University[?], the LBT Beteiligungsgesellschaft in Germany (Max-Planck-Institutfür Astronomie in Heidelberg, Landessternwarte in Heidelberg, Astrophysikalisches Institut in Potsdam, Max-Planck-Institut für Extraterrestrische Physik[?] in Munich, and Max-Planck-Institut für Radioastronomie[?] in Bonn), The Ohio State University, Research Corporation in Tucson, and the University of Notre Dame

The final configuration will be a telescope with two 8.4-meter mirrors mounted on a common base (hence the name "binocular"), taking full advantage of active and adaptive optics. Also, an interferometric mode will be available, with a baseline of 23 meters.

The telescope is currently (2003) in building phase at Mount Graham, Arizona[?]. First light is expected for the spring of 2004.

External Link

Website of the LBT (http://medusa.as.arizona.edu/lbtwww/lbt)