The Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) is a ground-based extremely large telescope planned for completion in 2020.
It will consist of seven 8.4 m diameter primary segments, with the resolving power of a 24.5 m primary mirror and collecting area equivalent to a 22.0 m one, (which is about 368 square meters).
The telescope is expected to have over 5-10 times the light-gathering ability of existing instruments. Three mirrors are cast and the mountain top is being prepared for construction. A total of seven primary mirrors are planned, but it can begin operation with only four.
Tags:
