The Jacobus Kapteyn Telescope


The Jacobus Kapteyn Telescope is only a small telescope by professional standards but it has a very useful role for astronomers requiring images of stars and galaxies.

 

Jacobus Kapteyn Telescope

Jacobus Kapteyn Telescope

© ING

     Some facts about the telescope:

  • Observatory location: La Palma, Canary Isles

  • Height above sea level: 2,364 metres (7,755 feet)

  • Weight of the telescope: 15.5 metric tonnes

  • Mirror diameter: 1.0 metres
This lovely picture shows how severe the temperatures can get on the top of mountains.

Ice can sometimes prevent the dome from being opened for the night's observing.

It can be difficult for astronomers to get to the telescopes in bad weather and special equipment is needed to clear the snow and ice.

Jacobus Kapteyn Telescope Dome

Jacobus Kapteyn Telescope Dome (left)

© JKT

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