On 26 April 2016 an event at ESO’s Paranal Observatory in Chile marked the brilliant first light for the four powerful lasers that form a crucial part of the adaptive optics systems on ESO’s Very Large Telescope. Attendees were treated to a spectacular display of cutting-edge laser technology against the majestic skies of Paranal. These are the most powerful laser guide stars ever used for astronomy and mark the first use of multiple laser guide stars at ESO.
This spectacular image shows the four beams emerging from the new laser system on Unit Telescope 4 of the VLT.
Credit:
ESO/F. Kamphues
Inspired by his father, Fred Kamphues took his first photographs at the age of five. Ever since he has been intrigued by the the story a powerful image can tell. With a strong appetite for travel and adventure, many of Kamphues projects have epic proportions. His shoots range.. Read more…