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KECK OBSERVATORY
MAUNA KEA SUMMIT
ISLAND OF HAWAI‘I

2007 March 30

The twin Keck 10-meter mirrors are foremost among the world’s optical telescopes. Each mirror consists of a 36-segment honeycomb mosaic placed edge-to-edge to form a continuous light-collecting surface of 76 square meters. This provides unprecedented sensitivity for observing celestial objects near and far. The Keck II mirror segment backs and support structure are seen here at close range. The secondary mirror housing (silver cage mid left) appears deceptively close, but it is almost thirty meters away. A portion of the secondary mirror is visble inside the housing; upon its surface is a reflection of the 10-meter primary mirror.

A VIEW FROM MAUNA KEA ~ SACRED MOUNTAIN OF HAWAI‘I

Mauna Kea holds profound religious and cultural significance for Native Hawaiians. It embodies their divine ancestral origins and connection to Creation. At 13,796 feet / 4,205 meters in elevation on the Island of Hawai‘i, it last erupted about 4400 years ago. The now-dormant volcano is only 120 feet higher than its active neighbor Mauna Loa 27 miles to the south. Seen from below and framed by palm trees and azure waters, the snow-cloaked summit of Mauna Kea inspires awe and veneration—its Hawaiian name means “White Mountain”. The star-filled sky above offers unsurpassed clarity for some of the world’s most advanced telescopes as they unravel mysteries of the universe. Upon its flanks are hallowed Hawaiian sites, ancient paths, rare plants and animals, and a unique and fragile ecosystem. Please walk gently and respectfully on Mauna O Wākea, the Sacred Mountain of Hawai‘i.

EXPOSURE DATA

Nikon D2x
Nikkor 18-200 DX f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens
ISO digital: 100  /  f/s8
Exposure: 2.5 seconds / + strobe

COPYRIGHT

All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

W. M. Keck Observatory

WMKO: The Mirror

‘Imiloa: Astronomy Center of Hawai‘i

Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station

The photographer thanks the astronomers and Keck staff for their invaluable assistance and collaboration in producing this photograph. 

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