February 2, 2011 - optics.org
A laser system built by Lockheed Martin Coherent Technologies has added five new “stars” to the night sky above Chile, as part of an advanced optical system that will enable astronomers to capture ultra-sharp, wide-field images.
The so-called laser guide stars – actually sodium atoms high in the atmosphere glowing after being elevated into excited states by the 50 W laser – are the key part of a cutting-edge adaptive optics system that will significantly reduce the “blurring” effect caused by turbulence in the Earth’s atmosphere.
In the early morning of January 22, astronomers witnessed the first propagation of the Gemini South telescope laser system, with the five guide stars captured on camera through a small telescope.
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