Science Operations

LBTO Science Operations

 

Welcome to the Science Operations Web Pages for the Large Binocular Telescope Observatory (LBTO), an international collaboration among institutions in the United States, Italy and Germany. LBT Corporation Members are: The University of Arizona on behalf of the Arizona university system; Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica, Italy; LBT Beteiligungsgesellschaft, Germany, representing the Max-Planck Society, the Astrophysical Institute Potsdam, and Heidelberg University; The Ohio State University, and The Research Corporation, on behalf of The University of Notre Dame, University of Minnesota and University of Virginia.

Large Binocular Telescope – Image complements of Ryan Ketterer

Located on the summit of Mt. Graham, LBTO aspires to be the first of the ELTs and one of the leading 8-m class telescopes. Comprised of privately funded or national institutes and consortiums of universities, the goal of LBTO and its partners is to ensure that its community of users are receiving the highest-quality astronomical data.

On these pages you will find the information needed to prepare for observations or writing proposals and details about the instruments available.

Additional details about the Mt. Graham International Observatory (MGIO) site can be found on the MGIO web pages. Additional technical details about the mechanics and optics of the Large Binocular Telescope can be found on the main LBTO website.

 

LBTO Instrument News

MODS Controller Upgrade

MODS  Controller Upgrade – Instrument Availability Delayed
update: Nov 26th
The MODS instruments underwent controller upgrades this summer, replacing the legacy head electronics and a set of aging computers. These upgrades were carried out to ensure the long-term reliability, robustness, …

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MODS2 Mask Cassette Issues

On the night of June 26 UT when moving the 2.4″ longslit into the focal plane, the mask failed to insert into the focal plane despite the software thinking so.  When the instrument was opened, the grabber was found to …

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MOS Mask Milling Machine Issue – Resolved

April 11, 2025: Problem with the oxygen regulator was found and resolved.  The MOS mask milling machine has been returned to operation.
April 9, 2025: The laser for the MOS mask milling machine recently stopped working.  Currently all mask milling …

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View All Announcements

StatusInstrumentNotes
🟢 LBC BLUE
🟢 LBC RED
🟢LUCI1Intermittent instabilities in the G210 grating have been noted.
SL released for science, ESM and Full AO imaging modes released for science.
🟢LUCI2N1.8 occasionally fails to properly reach the detent position.
SL released for science, ESM and full AO imaging available for science.
🔴MODS1Underwent controller upgrade this summer. Unavailable until December while work continues.
🔴MODS2Underwent controller upgrade this summer. Unavailable until December while work continues.
🟢 PEPSI PFU
🔴PEPSI POLUninstalled Nov 20.
🟠LBTINOMIC unavailable.
🟢 SHARK NIR
🟢 SHARK VIS

LBTO Science News: Available at lbto.org/news