Animation illustrating the operation of the Gemini Laser Guide Star and Adaptive Optics systems.

Credit: Gemini Observatory/AURA

Time-lapse HD movie featuring the Gemini North laser (part of the Laser Guide Star system) propagating into the sky. Note laser propagation from the W.M. Keck Observatory in the background.

Credit: Gemini Observatory/AURA

Close-up of the Gemini South (GeMS) laser which splits into 5 points to create a 'constellation' of guide stars for improved corrections over a larger patch of sky. The points at the end of the laser "columns" are where the laser light excites sodium atoms about 90 kilometers overhead and produces laser guide stars used for adaptive optics. The visibility of the laser "columns" beneath the laser guide star "constellation" is due to scattering of the laser's light by dust and moisture in the lower atmosphere. 

Credit: Gemini Observatory/AURA
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The Gemini South GeMS laser propagates into the night sky as the Milky Way rises during GeMS/GSAOI System Verification observations.

Credit: Gemini Observatory/AURA
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Gemini North laser propagation as seen from the floor of the dome, with the primary mirror visible.

Credit: Gemini Observatory/AURA
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Long-duration fish-eye view of the Gemini North telescope facility showing propagation of the laser guide star (LGS) on the night of May 21, 2010.

Credit: Gemini Observatory/AURA
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Gemini North Laser Guide Star propagation as seen from the Canada-France-Hawai‘i telescope with the Milky Way overhead.

Credit: Gemini Observatory/AURA
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View of the Gemini South Laser Guide star as seen from beneath the telescope during Systems Verification.

Credit: Gemini Observatory/AURA
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