Congratulations to Jim for being named honorable mention in this year’s GPSC Achievement Awards!

GMT just passed its preliminary design review for commissioning and construction. This brings GMT one step closer to completion.

Link

Aspheric and freeform surfaces metrology with software configurable optical test system: a computerized reverse Hartmann test.

Diffractive optics calibrator: design and construction

Cool video about GMT fabrication in Muy Interesante: Espejos hacia el cielo. Video (Text in Spanish)

Check out the November 2013 issue of Photonics Spectra for a cool overview of the GMT project. Here’s the link.

Margaret discusses her experience as a NASA COOP in AST Optical Engineering COOP finds inspiration in Margaret Thatcher and her colleagues at Goddard.

This article on Photonics.com talks about the manufacturing of the next generation astronomical telescopes, including GMT and more. Go to Photonics.com

The third of the seven primary mirrors for the Giant Magellan Telescopewas cast here Saturday (Aug. 24) at the University of Arizona’s Steward Observatory Mirror Lab. … Read more on Space.com

Casting of the third primary mirror of GMT will start this Saturday, Aug 24, in the Steward Observatory Mirror Lab, Univ. of Arizona. FOXNEWS reports the even and introduces the GMT online:

http://www.foxnews.com/science/2013/08/23/giant-telescope-mirror-for-future-observatory-to-be-cast-saturday/

Dr. Wendy Freedman, Chairman GMT, and Dr. Pat McCarthy, Director GMT, discuss the Giant Magellan Telescope’s mirrors and the science that they will enable.

Media