At the Starfire Optical Range a green copper-vapor laser and an orange sodium-wavelength laser are aimed through telescopes. Gases in specific layers of the atmosphere reflect the laser light, creating artificial stars. Leading edge technology enables scientists to examine even the most remote reaches of the universe. Distorting atmospheric effects are studied with the aid of laser beams, and computers use telescope optics to create images of unprecedented clarity.

Carbon dioxide snow is used to clean the telescope at Keck Observatory. This is the world's largest mirror, consisting of 36 hexagonal segments. Leading edge technology enables scientists to examine even the most remote reaches of the universe. Distorting atmospheric effects are studied with the aid of laser beams, and computers use telescope optics to create images of unprecedented clarity.

Leading edge technology enables scientists to examine even the most remote reaches of the universe. Distorting atmospheric effects are studied with the aid of laser beams, and computers use telescope optics to create images of unprecedented clarity.

A lab manager at Steward Observatory inspects a newly made mirror. Leading edge technology enables scientists to examine even the most remote reaches of the universe. Distorting atmospheric effects are studied with the aid of laser beams, and computers use telescope optics to create images of unprecedented clarity.

Leading edge technology enables scientists to examine even the most remote reaches of the universe. Distorting atmospheric effects are studied with the aid of laser beams, and computers use telescope optics to create images of unprecedented clarity.

Leading edge technology enables scientists to examine even the most remote reaches of the universe. Distorting atmospheric effects are studied with the aid of laser beams, and computers use telescope optics to create images of unprecedented clarity.

Fiber-optic cables are inserted into a telescope by a Carnegie Institution astronomer. Leading edge technology enables scientists to examine even the most remote reaches of the universe. Distorting atmospheric effects are studied with the aid of laser beams, and computers use telescope optics to create images of unprecedented clarity.

Leading edge technology enables scientists to examine even the most remote reaches of the universe. Distorting atmospheric effects are studied with the aid of laser beams, and computers use telescope optics to create images of unprecedented clarity.

Leading edge technology enables scientists to examine even the most remote reaches of the universe. Distorting atmospheric effects are studied with the aid of laser beams, and computers use telescope optics to create images of unprecedented clarity.

All roads seem to lead to the Southern Observatory. Leading edge technology enables scientists to examine even the most remote reaches of the universe. Distorting atmospheric effects are studied with the aid of laser beams, and computers use telescope optics to create images of unprecedented clarity.

Gerry Luppino wears a Hubble Space Telescope unit (containing 640,000 cells) like a monocle. Leading edge technology enables scientists to examine even the most remote reaches of the universe. Distorting atmospheric effects are studied with the aid of laser beams, and computers use telescope optics to create images of unprecedented clarity.

The 305m wide Arecibo radio telescope continues its search for extraterrestrial life forms (begun in October 1992). Leading edge technology enables scientists to examine even the most remote reaches of the universe. Distorting atmospheric effects are studied with the aid of laser beams, and computers use telescope optics to create images of unprecedented clarity.

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