Research | Queen’s University Canada

Gemini Mirror Reflections

The Gemini telescope and dome are ablaze in the setting sun's golden light. The reflections on the 8-m monolithic primary mirror are especially intricate and distorted. The shadow of the extinct 4200m Mauna Kea volcano can also be seen in the background upon a sea of clouds over the city of Hilo. The vertical shutters around the dome are usually opened at sunset to ensure that the inside and outside temperatures are the same throughout the night for greater image stability. Dr. Courteau has made extensive use of this telescope, and its twin in Chile, since his arrival at Queen's in 2004.
Submission Year: 
2015-16
Photographer's affiliation: 
Faculty
Academic areas: 
Arts and Science
Photo: 
Gemini Mirror Reflections
Categories: 
Faculty / Researcher
Faculty of Arts and Science
Department of Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy
Fundamental Principles of Nature: from Discovery to Application and Innovation
Understanding the Universe, the Planet and our Place
Location of photograph: 
Mauna Kea, Hawaii
Prize name: 
Photographer's name: 
Stéphane Courteau
Display Photographers Affiltion + Faculty or Department: 
Faculty, Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy