Revolutionizing Our Knowledge of the Universe
The Giant Magellan Telescope is the work of the GMTO Corporation, an international nonprofit organization headquartered in Pasadena, California. Our mission is to design, build, and operate the Giant Magellan Telescope to enable cutting-edge scientific observations that will revolutionize humanity’s fundamental understanding of the universe. The 30-meter class telescope is currently being built on Las Campanas Peak at the southern edge of Chile’s Atacama Desert, one of the best locations on Earth to explore the heavens. When complete in the late 2020s, the extremely large telescope will be the largest public-private funded science project in history.
Read Video Transcript
A rendered bird's eye view of the Giant Magellan Telescope on Las Campanas Peak in Chile's Atacama desert during daylight.
Сlose
At the helm of the GMTO Corporation is an international consortium of leading universities and research institutions.
Meet our founders
Swipe to explore map
History
The initial concept for the Giant Magellan Telescope grew from a series of discussions between the Carnegie Institution for Science, Harvard University, Smithsonian Institution, and the University of Arizona in the early 2000s. The goal was to advance the future of ground-based optical infrared astronomy well beyond the capabilities of existing 10-meter class telescopes. The result was a 30-meter class, extremely large, segmented optical infrared telescope design using giant primary mirrors based on the heritage of the twin Magellan Telescopes and the Large Binocular Telescope.
Explore our history
Leadership
The Giant Magellan Telescope is governed by thirteen leading universities and research institutions from five countries. Overseeing the successful completion of the telescope are the Board of Directors, Science Advisory Council, and Executive Team.
Meet our leadership
Careers
The Giant Magellan Telescope is solving the world’s most difficult engineering challenges and the most important scientific questions with talented individuals who share our passion for revolutionizing humanity’s knowledge of the universe. We welcome you to join our team and make your impact on the future of astronomy.
View open job positions
QUESTIONS?
