Description:

The Giant Magellan Telescope is one of the two, next generation, “extremely large” telescopes (ELTs) now under construction.  Both GMT and the European ELT will undoubtedly provide a huge leap forward in sensitivity and resolution that will revolutionize nearly every area of astrophysics and cosmology — from exoplanet science to dark matter and dark energy. However the GMT’s optical design gives it a uniquely broad capabilities relative to the E-ELT, from high-contrast adaptive optics (AO) for imaging of habitable exoplanets, to high-sky-coverage AO, to an exceptionally wide field of view for multi-object spectroscopy of faint galaxies and stars at all redshifts. GMT development is advancing rapidly with final design work, mirror fabrication, mount fabrication, prototyping, and site infrastructure construction all proceeding in parallel. In this talk, I will provide an overview of the unique GMT design, the unique capabilities it enables, and an update on the status of the GMT program. 

Rebecca Bernstein, Chief Scientist, Giant Magellan Telescope Organization

Host: Vicky Kalogera, CIERA