The W.M. Keck Observatory, which hosts two of the most powerful telescopes on Earth, is getting an upgrade to its adaptive optics system.
The W.M. Keck Observatory, which hosts two of the most powerful telescopes on Earth, is getting an upgrade to its adaptive optics system.
The National Science Foundation is funding the project, which will allow the observatory to correct for atmospheric blurring even faster.
“Even if the correction happens in just a few milliseconds, we want to reduce the delay to a minimum,” said Sylvain Cetre, a Keck software engineer, in a press release. “The new (real-time controller) computer and camera uses advanced technology to do just that.”
Keck said a Hawaii college student will work on project development through the summer Akamai Internship Program.
“Part of Keck Observatory’s mission is to train and prepare future generations so the work continues long after we’re gone,” said Jason Chin, Keck senior engineer, in a statement.
The upgrade is slated to be complete in 2020.
