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