In the Pursuit of Light: Creating One of the World's Largest Telescopes

The Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) is one of three next-generation, ground-based telescopes currently under construction. These “Extremely Large Telescopes” will achieve revolutionary new levels of clarity and sensitivity for studying all astronomical sources—from exoplanets outside our solar system, to the first stars and galaxies that formed in the universe, to the evolution of the universe itself. Dr. Bernstein will describe how the Giant Magellan is being designed to achieve these feats; the cutting-edge technology that will enable its performance; and the myriad scientific discoveries that await. Carnegie Science has played a foundational role in the creation of the GMT, which is now under construction at the Carnegie’s Las Campanas Observatory in Chile. When completed, the GMT will enable breakthrough astronomy—from revealing the fundamental physics underpinning the cosmos, to advancing our ability to search for life on distant worlds.

Dr. Rebecca Bernstein — Staff Scientist, Carnegie Science Observatories

Dr. Bernstein, the Chief Scientist for the Giant Magellan Telescope Organization, is overseeing the creation of this next-generation telescope, and is an accomplished optical designer and builder of scientific instruments. She was a Hubble and Research Fellow at the Carnegie, and held professorships at the University of Michigan and at the University of California Santa Cruz.