Humankind has always been drawn to explore the universe. Throughout history, astronomers have sought the most advanced methods to glimpse the galaxy. Soon they will have a new tool that provides a clearer view of the stars than ever before.
The Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT), currently under construction in northern Chile’s Atacama Desert, will have an unprecedented ability to examine the cosmos. Approximately 82 feet in diameter and more than 200 feet tall, the GMT will be the world’s largest optical land-based telescope.
Through its sheer size and cutting-edge technology, the GMT will capture images and collect data far exceeding any of its predecessors, offering scientists new opportunities to study the formation of the first stars, the existence of potentially life-supporting planets and the intricate relationship between galaxies and black holes. The telescope is on track to be fully operational within 10 years.
The GMT will have seven primary mirrors, each one measuring more than 27 feet in diameter. Credit: GMTO Corporation
Northwestern has joined an international consortium of 15 research institutions that will guide the development of and early research at the GMT. The University’s role as a founding member of the consortium allows Northwestern researchers to be among a select group of scientists with direct access to the telescope and its data for more than 25 years. This partnership will advance the University’s astronomy research, which has been built over the past decade through the Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA).
By bringing together renowned scholars in fields such as computer science, physics, engineering, biology, mathematics and artificial intelligence (AI), CIERA takes an interdisciplinary approach to expanding our knowledge of the universe. CIERA researchers’ proficiency in AI and machine learning tools will be especially critical in calibrating, analyzing and interpreting the powerful and complex data gathered by the GMT.
“The Giant Magellan Telescope presents an incredible opportunity to leverage our faculty’s considerable expertise in data science and artificial intelligence, which is a top priority for our University,” Northwestern Provost Kathleen Hagerty says. “Being part of the GMT consortium will supercharge our research in this area, which in turn can lead to amazing discoveries about our universe.”
The vision for the GMT dates back more than two decades, with scientists and engineers developing the original conceptual design in 2004. Using advanced optical technologies and seven of the world’s largest mirrors, the GMT will be up to 200 times more powerful than existing research telescopes. Its wide field of view and unique scientific instruments will be able to detect and analyze Earth-like planets in the reflected light of their host stars — something that no other land- or space-based telescope has ever been able to do.
The GMT will capture the sharpest, highest-quality views of the universe ever seen, with the ability to produce images 10 times clearer than those provided by the Hubble Space Telescope.
Natural sight (left), Hubble Space Telescope (center), Giant Magellan Telescope (right).
In addition to driving research discoveries, the GMT will foster educational opportunities that will help develop the next generation of scientists. These include expanded internship opportunities for Northwestern students in GMT labs, where they will receive hands-on training in mechanical, electrical and systems engineering. Access to the GMT’s data will also lead to enhanced research opportunities for graduate students working alongside CIERA faculty.
The GMT project is being financed by partner institutions, science foundations and private donors from around the globe. Philanthropic gifts helped fund Northwestern’s contribution to the project, which led to the University’s membership in the GMT consortium. University Trustee Jennifer Leischner Litowitz ’91 and her husband, Alec, have joined other lead donors in helping to make this possible.
“Northwestern is already making tremendous advances in astronomy, and having access to the GMT will take that work to a new level,” Litowitz says. “Alec and I are proud to support this initiative, which will greatly benefit our University.”
Vicky Kalogera, the Daniel I. Linzer Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, is among the Northwestern researchers whose work will be advanced by the GMT partnership. Learn more about CIERA from Kalogera, the center’s co-founder and director.
The GMT partnership supports the University priority of driving new research innovations through data science and AI. Learn more.
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