Record #00319Technology archive
Largest Operational Single-Telescope Optical Primary Aperture
Spain's Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC) operates with an equivalent 10.4-metre segmented primary mirror, the largest optical–near-infrared single-telescope primary aperture in operation.
ARCHIVE VISUAL / 01
NOT TO SCALE
Current Record
10.4m
Current record value
- Location
- La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain · Gran Telescopio Canarias Observatory site
- Start date
- 2009-03-16
- Record status
- VerifiedReport an issue
Verification basis and limitations
VerifiedThe record conclusion has sufficient verification support.
Verification explanation pending
- Last editorial review
- 2026-11-04
Current Entry identifies the current entry in this archive; it does not establish that the record is still held today.
Overview
Archive NoteGTC stands at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on La Palma in the Canary Islands. Its 36 hexagonal mirror segments act together as a single 10.4-metre diameter optical surface. First light was achieved in July 2007, scientific observations started on 16 March 2009, and the formal inauguration was held in July 2009. These are distinct milestones, so the start of science operations is used for this operational record.
The effective collecting area is approximately 75.7 square metres. Secondary and tertiary mirrors feed its scientific instruments. ESO's Extremely Large Telescope is designed to exceed it, but has not entered operation.
Record history
1 Milestones- 10.4 mGran Telescopio Canarias (GTC)La Palma, Canary Islands, SpainCurrent Record
Sources
Evidence & ReferencesThe record value on this page is organized from the public sources above. Measurement methods may differ; JiLuDB follows the unified method described for each entry.
Public feedbackFound a data issue?If a fact has changed, the data is incorrect, or you know a more authoritative source, submit feedback.Submit feedback
Help keep the archive accurate
If a fact has changed, a value is incorrect, or you know a more authoritative source, leave a note. Feedback enters an administrator review workflow and never edits a record directly.