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Swedish Solar Telescope

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description Swedish Solar Telescope Overview

The Swedish Solar Telescope is a 1-meter optical telescope located at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on the island of La Palma, Spain. Operated by Stockholm University's Institute for Solar Physics, it functions as a vacuum telescope to minimize internal air currents that could degrade image quality. The facility is specifically designed for high-resolution observations of the Sun's surface features, such as sunspots and granulation, utilizing advanced adaptive optics systems. It provides critical data for solar physicists studying magnetic field dynamics.

help Swedish Solar Telescope FAQ

Where is the Swedish Solar Telescope located?

The Swedish Solar Telescope is at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on La Palma in the Canary Islands, Spain. It is operated by Stockholm University's Institute for Solar Physics and has a 1-metre aperture. [Stockholm University](https://www.su.se/institute-for-solar-physics/the-telescope)

Why does the Swedish Solar Telescope use a vacuum design?

The vacuum design removes most internal air and therefore reduces air currents that would blur solar images. Solar telescopes commonly use vacuum or other controlled-air designs for this reason. [Stockholm University](https://www.su.se/institute-for-solar-physics/the-telescope)

When did the Swedish Solar Telescope see first light?

Its first light used a stopped-down 60-centimetre aperture on 2 March 2002. The telescope later operated with its full 1-metre optical aperture and adaptive-optics system. [Stockholm University](https://www.su.se/institute-for-solar-physics/the-telescope)

What makes the Swedish Solar Telescope useful for solar research?

It combines a 1-metre aperture with adaptive optics that counter atmospheric blurring. This allows researchers to study fine structures on the Sun's surface at visible wavelengths. [Stockholm University](https://www.su.se/institute-for-solar-physics/the-telescope)

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