Scientists and engineers from Carnegie Institution for Science, Harvard University, Smithsonian Institution, and the University of Arizona developed a concept for an extremely large telescope. Drawing upon expertise in the field of optics, telescope structures, and instrumentation, the initial design for the Giant Magellan Telescope was developed over a three-year period.
Fabrication of the telescope's first 8.4-meter primary mirror began at the University of Arizona's Richard F. Caris Mirror Laboratory.
A founding consortium of international academic and research institutions was created to execute the design, construction, and operation of the Giant Magellan Telescope.
A home for the 30-meter class telescope was selected – Las Campanas Observatory in Chile's Atacama Desert, one of the best locations on Earth to view the heavens.
Mountain top blasting at Las Campanas Peak launched site preparations for construction. Read more.
Successful external reviews marked the completion of the telescope's design phase.
First primary mirror finalized, packed in a special containment vessel and stowed in a temporary storage facility in advance of its journey south.
Initiated casting of the fifth of seven mirrors that will form the heart of the Giant Magellan Telescope. Read more.
Summit excavation completed for observatory pier and enclosure foundations. Read more.
Second primary mirror finalized, packed in a special containment vessel and stowed in a temporary storage facility in advance of its journey south.
National Science Foundation grant accelerated prototyping and testing of powerful optical and infrared technologies. Read more.
The sixth of seven of the world’s largest monolithic mirrors began fabrication. Read more.
Weizmann Institute of Science joined the international consortium of distinguished universities and research institutions building the Giant Magellan Telescope. Read more.
Across the globe, our team of scientists and engineers are working to meet many exciting milestones on the path to first light. In the coming years, we will start the telescope assembly, integration, and commissioning process. We are committed to meeting these milestones in building the Giant Magellan Telescope as a vehicle for discovery.
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