How astronomers use lasers to sharpen their view of the deep universe
The European Southern Observatory uses a powerful laser system at the Very Large Telescope to create artificial stars. This technology helps researchers map atmospheric turbulence, allowing them to capture significantly clearer images of the cosmos.
The 4 Laser Guide Star Facility, installed at the Very Large Telescope (VLT), represents the most potent laser guide star system ever deployed in astronomical research. By projecting multiple artificial stars into the sky, the facility provides a precise measurement of atmospheric conditions.
These measurements allow the telescope to compensate for the distorting effects of the Earth's atmosphere, resulting in higher-quality imaging. The system was developed with technical support from Mathias André and Raquel Yumi Shida, with writing contributions from Richard Hook and Lauren Fuge.
