Keynote: Keck Observatory Laser Show: Technology that’s Improving our Vision of the Universe

Abstract

The W. M. Keck Observatory uses two adaptive optics systems equipped with laser guide star technology to take the “twinkle” out of star light. The adaptive optics technology sharpens images taken with the two twin 10 meter diameter Keck Observatory telescopes that are currently the largest optical and near-infrared telescopes on the planet. Forward thinking Keck scientists are constantly innovating and adding new technology to the telescopes to keep it at the cutting edge of research astronomy, and this includes updates to our adaptive optics systems that reveal unprecedented detail of astronomical objects. During this presentation, you will get a sense of the development of adaptive optics on the Keck Observatory telescopes, the science it enables, and how this technology can improve our vision.