Tuorla Observatory is participating in an international project
which is pioneering studies of active galaxies by observing them truly
simultaneously in the gamma ray and optical regions.
MAGIC is an atmospheric
imaging Cherenkov telescope designed to detect cosmic gamma-rayss (photons with
energies in the 30 GeV to 1 TeV range). The 17-meter telescope is located on La
Palma, Canary Islands, Spain, and is run by the MAGIC-collaboration, which
includes 18 (mostly European) institutes. The inauguration was held on La Palma
on October 10th 2003 with Aimo Sillanpää representing Tuorla
Observatory at the celebration. First light was obtained in June 2003, and
the telescope has been operational since Jan 2004.
Tuorla Observatory is making use of the 60 cm telescope on La Palma in
connection with MAGIC observations, resulting in truly simultaneous
optical and gamma ray observations. Observing simultaneously the
emitted light in these widely separated wavelength regions allows
considerable new insight into the physical processes in these
objects. We have been successfully been using the 60 cm telescope
remotely from Tuorla since the autumn of 2003, with the dome,
instruments and telescope all being operated via the
internet. Infra-red cameras in the building allow the status of the
telescope to be monitored, and weather cameras on the mountain help us
keep track of observing conditions.
Recent data from the
telescope are available here
Lisää suomeksi.
Further information can be obtained from Dr. Aimo
Sillanpää or Dr. Leo
Takalo.
Last update: July 5th, 2004.
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The MAGIC telescope at La Palma, which obtained "first-light" in late
2003. Tuorla is a full-member of the project, and will be providing
simultaneous optical data with the Royal Swedish Academy's 60 cm telescope
sited nearby.
The Royal Swedish Academy's 60 cm telescope at La Palma in the Canary
Islands, Spain. The telescope has recently been upgraded to allow fully remote
observing from Tuorla Observatory, in Turku Finland.
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