El 22 de enero del 2011 comenzó una nueva era en la astronomía de alta resolución con la propagación exitosa de una "constelación" de 5 estrellas guías láser en los cielos sobre Cerro Pachón en Chile. Estas imágenes muestran claramente este monumental evento y las cinco estrellas producidas por láser que brillan en el cielo (inserto). 

On January 22, 2011, a new era in high-resolution astronomy began with the successful propagation of a 5-star sodium laser guide star “constellation” in the skies over Cerro Pachón in Chile. The images here clearly show this monumental event and the five laser-produced stars shining in the sky (inset). 

This montage is a tribute to a unique instrument at Gemini South known as the Gemini Multi-conjugate adaptive optics System (GeMS). When coupled to the Gemini South Adpative Optics Imager (GSAOI), GeMS can make Gemini’s 8-meter mirror significantly more efficient by focusing light more precisely — allowing astronomers using Gemini to probe objects more deeply and study them in finer detail. 

Esta toma exterior del telescopio de Gemini Sur muestra el resultado del Sistema Multi-Conjugado de óptica adaptativa de Gemini (GeMS) con el Capturador de Imágenes de Óptica Adaptativa de Gemini Sur (GSAOI). La luz del láser se divide en cinco haces separados que son necesarios para el sistema de óptica adaptativa de Gemini. 

This exterior shot of the Gemini South telescope shows the result of the Gemini Multi-conjugate adaptive optics System (GeMS) with the Gemini South Adaptive Optics Imager (GSAOI) propagating a laser guide star skyward. The laser’s light is split into five separate beams that are necessary for the Gemini South adaptive optics system. 

Close up view of the new laser propagating from the Gemini South telescope. Full Resolution TIF (99.7 MB) Medium Resolution JPG (139 KB) Gemini Observatory Image/Video Usage Policy

Fish eye view of the Gemini South Laser propagating into the zenith during the first night of on-sky laser operations. Full Resolution TIF (99.7 MB) Medium Resolution JPG (94 KB) Gemini Observatory Image/Video Usage Policy

Another image of the Gemini South Laser propagating through the slit during commissioning of the Multi Conjugate Adaptive Optics System. Full Resolution TIF (99.7 MB) Medium Resolution JPG (115 KB) Gemini Observatory Image/Video Usage Policy

An exterior shot of the Gemini South Multi Conjugate Adaptive Optics system in operation as the new laser is propagated at the zenith position. Full Resolution TIF (99.7 MB) Medium Resolution JPG (70 KB) Gemini Observatory Image/Video Usage Policy

This is a closeup view of the secondary mirror structure at the end of the telescope with the laser propagating on the interior of the dome. Prior to the first test on-sky, it is first tested inside the dome. Full Resolution TIF ( MB) Medium Resolution JPG (160 KB) Gemini Observatory Image/Video Usage Policy