Researchers using data from W. M. Keck Observatory and NASA's Hubble Space Telescope have discovered something curious in the Altjira system located in the outer reaches of the solar system. ??A potential triple system of Kuiper Belt objects, only the second ever found, would support the theory that these rocky bodies form by gravitational collapse, like stars. "Keck Observatory is the one ground-based telescope that was able to do high-quality enough observations of Altjira for our study. All of our other observations were from HST, but those alone were not enough of an observational baseline for our models,” said the study’s lead author Maia Nelsen, a physics and astronomy graduate of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. “The extra points from Keck Observatory made for a better and more statistically robust result giving more credence to the strength of the hierarchical triple orientation of Altjira." ?? https://lnkd.in/gNmNiWRK #hubble #NASA #maunakeaobservatories
W. M. Keck Observatory
研究服务
Kamuela，Hawaii 3,645 位关注者
Advancing the frontiers of astronomy and sharing our discoveries to inspire the imagination of all.
关于我们
The W. M. Keck Observatory telescopes are among the most scientifically productive on Earth. The two 10-meter optical/infrared telescopes atop Maunakea on the Island of Hawai?i feature a suite of advanced instruments including imagers, multi-object spectrographs, high-resolution spectrographs, integral-field spectrometers, and world-leading laser guide star adaptive optics systems. Keck Observatory is a private 501(c) 3 non-profit organization operated as a scientific partnership among the California Institute of Technology, the University of California, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The Observatory was made possible by the generous financial support of the W. M. Keck Foundation. We wish to recognize and acknowledge the very significant cultural role and reverence that the summit of Maunakea has always had within the Native Hawaiian community. We are most fortunate to have the opportunity to conduct observations from this mountain
- 网站
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https://www.keckobservatory.org
W. M. Keck Observatory的外部链接
- 所属行业
- 研究服务
- 规模
- 51-200 人
- 总部
- Kamuela，Hawaii
- 类型
- 非营利机构
- 创立
- 1985
- 领域
- Astronomy、Spectroscopy、Adaptive Optics、Instrumentation和Astrophysics
地点
W. M. Keck Observatory员工
动态
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JOB ALERT ?? We're #hiring for an Infrastructure Technician to work at our telescope facility atop majestic Maunakea. Our infrastructure techs are the core of our operations. This crew comprises experienced welders, HVAC specialists, machinists, and electricians that assess, troubleshoot, solve and prevent operating issues to keep the telescope facility and environment in top notch operating condition, getting us on sky, safely, every night. To say this is the dream team would be an understatement - they are technicians to the stars ?? ?? And the job? Out of this world. Learn more & apply: https://lnkd.in/gTRxsUV8
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?? The W. M. Keck Observatory is pleased to announce its collaboration with TNO, which has been selected to provide advanced adaptive optics technology for our secondary mirror system. This partnership is set to enhance the observational capabilities of our world-class facility that we are fortunate to have the opportunity to operate atop Maunakea, Hawai’i. "Keck Observatory is pleased to partner with TNO to enhance our adaptive optics capabilities. TNO’s expertise in advanced deformable mirrors, including their innovative actuator technology, provides the precision and reliability needed for cutting-edge astronomical observations," says John O'Meara, chief scientist and deputy director. Their proven track record in Hawai’i, including the recent adaptive secondary mirror project at IRTF, makes them uniquely suited for this collaboration. Together, we look forward to advancing the boundaries of discovery." Read more about this partnership ?? #TNOdigital #astronomy #maunakeaobservatories
Dutch Tech heading toward another Giant World-Class Telescope ?? In 2024 TNO provided a concept design and assessment of performance for its breakthrough Hybrid Variable Reluctance (HVR) actuated deformable mirror systems, for application to the future Keck Adaptive Secondary Mirror (KASM). An independent assessment was performed in comparison to other leading technologies. The consensus of the committee was to proceed with the TNO technology. The ability to retrofit the current Keck secondary mirror with a higher-density 3000-4000 actuator design, simpler overall system, lower thermal output, while maintaining the mass and volume of classical secondary mirror were key factors in the decision. The TNO technology scored high in both functionality and future scientific benefit. The assessment was based on performance, technological and operational requirements. The assessment included science goals, operational considerations and programmatic goals. Inputs were given by the Keck community including the Keck W. M. Keck Observatory, Caltech, University of California Observatories and University of Hawai‘i System. TNO has a long history of developing innovative technologies for world-class astronomy observatories, such as delay lines, precision mirror supports and laser-launch telescopes for the European #VLT and #ELT Telescopes in the Southern Hemisphere. Partners in these developments include industry members such as VDL Groep and Demcon, along with academic partners like NOVA Netherlands Research School for Astronomy. TNO is excited to embark on this opportunity to provide cutting edge adaptive optics technology to improve the vision of the world-class Keck Observatory, situated at the premier Northern Hemisphere location atop Maunkea Hawaii. ?? TNO design for secondary mirror technology Read the article ?? https://tno.to/d2u #TNOspace #Optics #keckobservatory #UHIfA
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As the dome turns: Keck II telescope ?? making moves at the skilled hands of Telescope Operator & Support Technician Derek Petrowski who also happens to be a talented videographer and photographer. His favorite aspect of his job? "Being on the summit and contributing to the same goal, making sure I do my part to get us on sky at night." With Derek at the controls, we're in good hands. #astronomy #dayinthelife
Keck 2 making moves
https://www.youtube.com/
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?? Ho?omaika?i to Keck superstar astrophysicist Dr. Andrea Ghez, awarded the 2025 American Academy of Arts & Sciences distinguished Rumford Prize in recognition of her contributions to the field of astronomy. ?? ? ?? "Andrea Ghez’s groundbreaking research exemplifies the power of curiosity-driven scientific exploration to reshape our understanding of the universe," said Laurie L. Patton, Academy President. "Her intellectual curiosity, relentless pursuit of knowledge, and exceptional leadership in the field of astrophysics illuminate one of the most mysterious regions of space and inspire us. We are proud to honor her with the Rumford Prize—one of the oldest awards for scientific pursuit in America." And we are proud to call her a member of the Keck Observatory 'ohana. Can't wait to see what she will discover next. Congratulations, Andrea! #ucla #astronomy #maunakeaobservatories
Announcement: Please join us in congratulating Anthony S. Fauci, Andrea M. Ghez, and Victor Seow - recipients of awards from the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, MD, renowned immunologist and former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has been named the recipient of the Award for Excellence in Public Policy and Public Affairs from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. First given in 2018, the award recognizes individuals for their distinction, independence, effectiveness, and work on behalf of the common good. Full announcement: https://buff.ly/IF7CrM3 The Rumford Prize – a storied science award given by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences – is being awarded to Nobel laureate Andrea M. Ghez for her contributions to the field of astronomy. Ghez’s pioneering research on the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy has revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos and made her a leading astrophysicist. Full announcement: https://buff.ly/PiaipVt Victor Seow, the John L. Loeb Associate Professor of the Social Sciences in the Department of the History of Science at Harvard University, is the recipient of the Sarton Prize for the History of Science, recognizing his exceptional promise and distinguished achievements as an emerging scholar in the field. Full announcement: https://buff.ly/VQEUGBd Photograph of Andrea M. Ghez courtesy of the Nobel Foundation.
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TONIGHT (2/28): We're looking up ? Well, our staff look up every night, but tonight, the Planet Parade culminates in the grand finale when Mercury joins the procession! A planet parade? Yes! This is the last time all 7 planets will align until 2040. Also yes, this unique parade is visible from Hawai?i: Astronomer tip: "You can tell planets from stars because they are brighter and they don't twinkle." Pack your telescope and telephoto lens for that deep space vibe! ?? #astronomy #planetparade
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Keck Observatory Instrument Program Manager, Marc Kassis, recently returned from Australia where he met with colleagues at Swinburne University of Technology. "Swinburne is at the cutting edge of instrumentation, in particular when it comes to laser frequency combs, adaptive optics Real Time Control software, and future facility class instrumentation with wide field imaging," says Kassis. "Keck Observatory is proud and grateful to partner with Swinburne on instrument development."
Associate Director, Philanthropy | Advancement, Swinburne University of Technology
Thrilled to attend a guest lecture by Dr Marc Kassis, Instrument Program Manager for the W. M. Keck Observatory, who was welcomed by our Vice-Chancellor Professor Pascale Quester. The topic was 'Unlocking the Mysteries of the Universe' and although we didn't unlock them all, it was a fun and inclusive presentation from an expert. We also had the privilege of a 3D tour of the Virtual Universe with Professor Matthew Bailes, without leaving the campus! Such incredible photography and fascinating information - who knew that the rings of Saturn are so thin, they are virtually 2 dimensional? Swinburne University of Technology is the only institution outside the USA that partners with the W. M. Keck Observatory - a testament to the skill and depth of expertise in Astrophysics and Supercomputing at Swinburne. The Keck observation room at Swinburne was established with a generous gift from the #EricOrmondBakerTrust and we are grateful for the support of Graeme Baker. With their colleagues, Distinguished Professor Jean Brodie and Professor #JeffCooke are developing the design for the Wide Field Imager - the most powerful UV-sensitive camera ever to be built on earth. It will be attached the Keck telescope and will be able to capture the deepest images of deep space, vastly more comprehensive than anything we have. If you would like to know more - please email me [email protected]
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We always enjoy when familiar faces find their way back to our orbit. Former Keck employee Cisco Galdones' contributions continue to make an impact on our Observatory operations to this day. Mahalo T. Ilihia Gionson for hosting this special visit and for sharing the experience! ?
One of my favorite moments in my first weeks at W. M. Keck Observatory had to be the day we welcomed Uncle Cisco back. He retired from Keck's mechanical engineering team in 2006, and came to visit with his senior club. Was so cool to hear his stories. We still use his contributions to our infrastructure every single day – from the dome and shutter mechanisms, to the decks that let our crew access and swap instruments. It's important for us to remember the contributions of generations before ours that allow us to do the work we do. Bonus for me: he brought his sister Irma, who I haven't seen since she retired from Billy's team!
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As #EngineeringWeek comes to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on the the galaxy of creative visionaries that give structure to our mission at Keck Observatory. Engineer superstars like Jason Chin, whose skillset and leadership contributes to our ongoing success. Recently, Jason's 30th year at Keck Observatory culminated in an epic announcement of his next great engineering feat - retirement. "I'm really going to miss his expertise, dedication, drive, and constant stewardship and service of the Observatory and the people," says Director Rich Matsuda. "Jason's always been here to tackle the tough challenges, and his presence will surely be missed." Ho?omaika?i, Jason and a hui hou!
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Excited to see Keck Observatory observers Kareem El-Badry of Caltech, Alexander Ji from the University of Chicago and Jason Wang with Northwestern University were included among the 126 early-career scientists awarded a Sloan Research Fellowship. Ho?omaika?i ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? #SloanFellow
??Congrats to the 126 early-career scientists who have been awarded a Sloan Research Fellowship this year! These exceptional scholars are drawn from 7 fields and 51 institutions across the US and Canada, and represent the next generation of groundbreaking researchers. Winners receive $75,000, which may be spent over a two-year term to support their research. The full list of this year's Fellows: https://lnkd.in/euc_MXjP Read the press release: https://lnkd.in/eVphbGcQ #SloanFellow
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