First light of Gran Telescopio Canarias

The Gran Telescopio Canarias is one of the largest optical and infrared telescopes in the world, with a segmented primary mirror 10.4 metres across, made of 36 hexagonal pieces working together as one. It stands at about 2,300 metres above sea level on the Roque de los Muchachos on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, a site with very clear and stable skies. The telescope was built by Spain with participation from Mexico and the University of Florida, and it began scientific observations after its first light. It is used to study the distant universe, exoplanets, the formation of galaxies and black holes, and is part of the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory.

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