Timeline - Giant Magellan Telescope

2004

Giant Magellan Telescope Conceptual Design

Scientists and engineers from Carnegie Institution for Science, Harvard University, Smithsonian Institution, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Arizona, and the University of Michigan developed a concept for an extremely large telescope. Drawing upon expertise in the field of optics, telescope structures, and instrumentation, the initial design for the Giant Magellan Telescope was developed over a three-year period.

October 2005

First Primary Mirror Cast

Fabrication of the telescope's first 8.4-meter primary mirror began at the University of Arizona's Richard F. Caris Mirror Laboratory. Read more.

October 2007

Site Selection

A home for the 30-meter class telescope was selected – Las Campanas Observatory in Chile's Atacama Desert, one of the best locations on Earth to view the heavens.

2008

Formation of International Consortium

The GMTO Corporation was founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and official “international organization” in Chile, establishing a consortium of research institutions to design, construct, and operate the Giant Magellan Telescope. Initial founding membership included Australian National University, Carnegie Institution for Science, Harvard University, Smithsonian Institution, Texas A&M University, The University of Texas at Austin, and University of Arizona. Read more.

February 2009

Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute Joins as Founder

July 2009

Astronomy Australia Limited Joins as Founder

July 2010

The University of Chicago Joins as Founder

The University of Chicago has joined the international consortium of distinguished universities and research institutions building the Giant Magellan Telescope. Read more.

January 2012

Second Primary Mirror Cast

March 2012

Start of Construction

Mountain top blasting at Las Campanas Peak launched site preparations for construction. Read more.

August 2013

Third Primary Mirror Cast

February 2014

Design Finalized

Successful external reviews marked the completion of the telescope's design phase.

July 2014

Brazil’s São Paulo Research Foundation Joins as Founder

Brazil’s São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) has joined the international consortium of distinguished universities and research institutions building the Giant Magellan Telescope. Read more.

September 2015

Fourth Primary Mirror Cast

November 2017

Arizona State University Joins as Founder

Arizona State University joined the international consortium of distinguished universities and research institutions building the Giant Magellan Telescope. Read more.

November 2017

Fifth Primary Mirror Cast

Initiated casting of the fifth of seven mirrors that will form the heart of the Giant Magellan Telescope. Read more.

March 2019

Site Excavation

Summit excavation completed for observatory pier and enclosure foundations. Read more.

August 2019

Second Primary Mirror Finalized

Second primary mirror finalized, packed in a special containment vessel and stowed in a temporary storage facility in advance of its journey south.

March 2021

Sixth Primary Mirror Cast

The sixth of seven of the world’s largest monolithic mirrors began fabrication. Read more.

October 2021

Weizmann Institute of Science Joins as Founder

Weizmann Institute of Science joined the international consortium of distinguished universities and research institutions building the Giant Magellan Telescope. Read more.

July 2022

Facility Unveiled for Mount Fabrication

North America’s largest and most advanced five axis mill machine unveiled in Rockford, Illinois, to build the telescope mount. Read more.

August 2022

Investment Accelerates Construction

Funding round represents one of the largest in project history. Read more.

September 2023

Final Primary Mirror Fabrication

The four-year process to fabricate and polish the seventh and final primary mirror begins, the last required to complete the set. Read more.

February 2024

Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics Joins as Founder

Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics joined the international consortium of distinguished universities and research institutions building the Giant Magellan Telescope. Read more.

Looking Ahead

Across the globe, our team of scientists and engineers are working to meet many exciting milestones on the path to first light. In the coming years, we will start the telescope assembly, integration, and commissioning process. We are committed to meeting these milestones in building the Giant Magellan Telescope as a vehicle for discovery.