The two telescopes of the observatory W.M. Keck are the largest optical telescopes and close relation-infra-reds of the Observatoires of Mauna Kea, on the mount Mauna Kea of the island of Hawaii, at an altitude of 4.145 meters.

History

Keck I started to observe in 1993 and Keck II in 1996.

The telescopes are managed by the University of California, the California Institute off Technology and NASA. They are on a ground rented by the Université of Hawaii based with Honolulu. The telescopes were primarily financed by the Fondation William Myron Keck.

Characteristics

The optical formula of these telescopes is that of Ritchey-Christian, on a Monture altazimutale. Their characteristic is their mirrors of 10 Mètre S of Diamètre segmented in 36 smaller hexagonal mirrors. They have, as for the Broad Very Telescopes (VLT), a system of Optique activates which allows Cophaser all the segments in order to make only one Pupille of 10 m to the hearth.

Moreover, Keck I and II can function together, via the optical Interférométrie. This gives them the equivalent Résolution angular of a mirror of 85 Mr. What should in theory make it possible the two telescopes to distinguish a flame from candle on the surface of the the Moon.

See too

Internal bonds

• List of the largest telescopes

• List of the astronomical observatories

External bonds

• the observatory of Mauna Kea

• the observatory Keck

Simple: W. Mr. Keck Observatory