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![]() A wide range of scientific investigations will then become possible, from the search for planets around nearby stars, to the study of energetic processes at the cores of distant galaxies. #Double interferometer for visual astrometry fullIt is then expected that the first combination of light beams from two of the VLT 8.2-metre telescopes will take place in late 2001.Īccording to current plans, regular science observations will start from 2002, when the European and international astronomical community will have access to the full interferometric facility and the specially developed VLTI instrumentation now under construction. #Double interferometer for visual astrometry seriesThe present series of functional tests will go on for some time and involve many different configurations of the small telescopes and the instrument. It was first envisaged in the early 1980's and has been continuously updated, as new technologies and materials became available during the intervening period. These initial observations prove the overall concept for the VLTI. This includes the test telescopes that capture the starlight, continuous and extremely precise adjustment of the various mirrors that deflect the light beams as well as the automatic positioning and motion of the Delay Line carriages and, not least, the optimal tuning of the VLT INterferometer Commissionning Instrument (VINCI). It crucially depends on the proper combination and functioning of a large number of individual opto-mechnical and electronic elements. This first observation with the VLTI is a monumental technological achievement, especially in terms of accuracy and stability. The excellent result was obtained during a series of observations, each lasting 2 minutes, and fully confirming the impressive predicted abilities of the VLTI. This corresponds to the angular distance between the two headlights of a car as seen from a distance of approx. On the next night, the VLTI was used to perform a scientific measurement of the angular diameter of another comparatively bright star, Alpha Hydrae (Alphard) it was found to be 0.00929☐.00017 arcsec. This proves the success of the robust VLTI concept, in particular of the "Delay Line". At the VLTI, it occurred when the infrared light from the bright star Sirius was captured by two small telescopes and the two beams were successfully combined in the subterranean Interferometric Laboratory to form the typical pattern of dark and bright lines known as "interferometric fringes". On March 17, 2001, "First Fringes" were obtained with the VLT Interferometer (VLTI) - this important event corresponds to the "First Light" for an astronomical telescope. Following the "First Light" for the fourth of the 8.2-metre telescopes of the VLT Observatory on Paranal in September 2000, ESO scientists and engineers have just successfully accomplished the next major step of this large project. ![]()
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