SlashScope

The Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) is not the typical structure that comes to mind when you think about telescopes, however, as soon as you begin to contemplate looking (or listening) into deep space, the telescopes begin to take on a completely unfamiliar configuration. Popular Mechanics has provided an informative one page pdf download on the LBT. 'Essentially a pair of enormous telescopes bolted together, the $120 million Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) combines the light from two mirrors to simulate a telescope with a single larger mirror. The LBT's components were crafted in the United States, Italy and Germany, and assembled at 10,400 ft. on southeastern Arizona's Mount Graham. In October 2005, LBT took its first image of space--what astronomers call "first light"--using only one primary mirror. Later this year, the second mirror will become operational. Says mechanical engineer Shawn Callahan, "It's a very exciting time to be working on top of this mountain."