description Mercator Telescope Overview
The Mercator Telescope is a 1.2-metre semi-robotic optical telescope at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on La Palma in the Canary Islands. It is operated by the Institute of Astronomy of KU Leuven and was built in collaboration with the Geneva Observatory. The telescope is designed for repeated observations over time, including studies of stellar variability, stellar oscillations, and spectroscopy using instruments such as the HERMES spectrograph.
help Mercator Telescope FAQ
Where is the Mercator Telescope and how large is it?
It is a 1.2-metre optical telescope at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on La Palma in the Canary Islands. The site is about 2,333 metres above sea level.
Who operates the Mercator Telescope?
The Institute of Astronomy at KU Leuven operates it, in collaboration with the Geneva Observatory. It entered scientific operation in spring 2001.
Is the Mercator Telescope related to the Euler Telescope?
Yes. The Mercator Telescope was built as a twin of the Swiss Euler Telescope at La Silla Observatory in Chile.
Why is the HERMES instrument important on the Mercator Telescope?
HERMES is a spectrograph that spreads starlight into a spectrum, helping astronomers study temperature and chemical composition. KU Leuven reports that it has been part of the Mercator measurement system since 2009.
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