Magellan telescopes

telescopes, Chile

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July 20, 2026

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The Magellan telescopes are two large optical reflecting telescopes located at the Las Campanas Observatory in Chile's Atacama Desert. Established in 1969, the observatory is known for its exceptionally clear skies, making it ideal for astronomical observations. Each of the two Magellan telescopes has a diameter of 6.5 meters (260 inches). The first began observations in 2000, and the second in 2002. These telescopes are a collaborative effort involving the Carnegie Institution for Science and several prominent universities.1

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Las Campanas Observatory
…two largest telescopes, collectively named Magellan, have a diameter of 6.5 metres (260 inches). The first Magellan telescope, named after American astronomer Walter Baade, made its first observations in 2000, and the second Magellan telescope, named after project benefactor Landon Clay, made its first observations in 2002. The Magellan telescopes…
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…two largest telescopes, collectively named Magellan, have a diameter of 6.5 metres (260 inches). The first Magellan telescope, named after American astronomer Walter Baade, made its first observations in 2000, and the second Magellan telescope, named after project benefactor Landon Clay, made its first observations in 2002. The Magellan telescopes…
Read More