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KECK OBSERVATORY
MAUNA KEA SUMMIT
ISLAND OF HAWAI‘I

2007 January 29

The twin Keck 10-meter mirrors are foremost among the world’s optical telescopes. Each is comprised of 36 hexagonal mirror segments 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. Shown here is a bird’s-eye view, close to the Keck II 1.4-meter secondary mirror housing at the top of the telescope and looking far down onto the primary mirror—a distance of 24.5 meters. The dome above is open and tropical blue daylight is reflected in the mirror. Note the technician’s tiny reflection in the lowermost 1.8-meter hexagonal segment and compare it to the gargantuan reflector.

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-f5.6 zoom lens
ISO digital: 100  /  f/16
Exposure: 3 seconds

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 and VIS staffs for their invaluable assistance and collaboration in producing this photograph. 

PUBLISHERS ~ This image is also available in vertical format.

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