The development of MACO enables real-time optimization of the Magellan telescopes’ performance, strengthening scientific operations from Chile.
Magellan Telescopes. Image Credit: Yuri Beletsky.
Carnegie Science Las Campanas Observatory (LCO) has taken a key step in modernizing its operations with the implementation of MACO (Magellan Active Optics), a new active optics system designed to improve the quality of observations with the Magellan telescopes.
This technological advancement responds to the need to update legacy operational systems, incorporating more flexible and sustainable tools. As explained by Nicolás Soto, Operations Engineer at LCO and member of the development team, “this change responds to the need to modernize the operating stations and provides the opportunity to have a system that we can maintain and improve locally.”
MACO continuously adjusts the shape of the telescope mirrors, ensuring high-precision images even under changing environmental conditions. In simple terms, the system acts as a permanent “quality control” mechanism. “It performs an ‘eye exam’ on the telescope approximately every 30 seconds, prescribing immediate adjustments to the mirrors and movement mechanisms,” Soto explains.
Thanks to this constant monitoring, it is possible to compensate for deformations caused by factors such as temperature changes and gravity, maximizing the performance of the telescopes under one of the best skies in the world.
Operational results
During its commissioning on the Baade and Clay telescopes, the system has demonstrated highly positive results. According to Soto, “the system proved its ability to fully take advantage of the excellent quality of our sky, exceeding what was expected from the site monitor (DIMM) most of the time.”
This performance reflects not only the system’s technical advancement, but also the coordinated work of engineers, operators, and scientists at the observatory.
A collaborative and evolving development
One of MACO’s key strengths has been its development in close collaboration with those who operate the telescopes night after night. In this regard, Soto highlights that “the feedback received from operators and scientists has been fundamental in identifying improvements compared to the previous system,” allowing for adjustments in functionality and prioritization of critical operational information.
Far from being a closed system, MACO will continue evolving based on on-site experience. “The implementation of MACO does not end with its official deployment. We will continue working on the user interface and software stability based on night-to-night operational experience,” Soto adds.
Outlook
With this implementation, Carnegie Science Las Campanas Observatory reinforces its commitment to scientific excellence and the continuous improvement of its operational capabilities. The goal is clear: to efficiently integrate new tools into the nightly workflow, ensuring that every observation makes the most of the unique conditions of northern Chile’s skies.
As described by the team, this is a “homegrown” development aimed at directly addressing the real needs of operations, strengthening the observatory’s technological autonomy and future projection.