The Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab is a key research arm of the University of Arizona’s Steward Observatory, renowned for producing some of the largest and most advanced astronomical mirrors in the world.
These mirrors enable unprecedented discoveries, advancing our understanding of the universe and pushing the boundaries of observational astronomy, allowing scientists to probe the origins of the universe, study the properties of dark matter and dark energy, and search for potentially habitable worlds beyond our solar system.
The Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab
A part of the Steward Observatory and a key research arm of the University of Arizona in Tucson, is a world-renowned facility specializing in the production of some of the largest and most precise astronomical mirrors ever made. The lab uses an innovative spin-casting process to create lightweight, honeycomb-structured mirrors from borosilicate glass, capable of achieving exceptional optical quality. These mirrors are integral components of groundbreaking telescopes. The lab combines advanced engineering, materials science, and astronomy expertise to push the boundaries of space observation and exploration.
Mirrors produced for several groundbreaking telescopes, including:
- Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT)
- Large Binocular Telescope (LBT)
- Vera C. Rubin Observatory (formerly LSST)
- Magellan Telescopes
- Multiple Mirror Telescope (MMT)
- University of Arizona SkyCenter Telescopes
- and more ...
Personal Welcome
The Director of Steward Observatory, Dr. Jannuzi warmly welcomed the Class 1 students with a personal greeting, emphasizing the significance of their academic journey and their potential to contribute to the future of astronomy. Following the welcome, the Former Director of Steward Observatory, Dr. Strittmatter led the students on an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of the Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab, offering them an intimate glimpse into the cutting-edge processes and technologies behind the production of world-class astronomical mirrors. As they walked through the lab, the Dr. Strittmatter passionately explained the innovative spin-casting method, the intricate polishing process, and the scientific importance of the mirrors being created for groundbreaking telescopes like the Giant Magellan Telescope. The students were captivated as the Former Director shared stories of the lab’s achievements and encouraged them to dream big about their own roles in advancing science. The tour concluded with a Q&A session, where the Former Director engaged with the students’ questions, leaving them inspired and eager to begin their studies.
Dr. Buell T. Jannuzi – Director, Steward Observatory & Department Head - Astronomy
Dr. Peter Strittmatter – Regents' Professor, Former Director (37 years) Steward Observatory
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
The Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab is a key research arm of the University of Arizona’s Steward Observatory, renowned for producing some of the largest and most advanced astronomical mirrors in the world.
These mirrors enable unprecedented discoveries, advancing our understanding of the universe and pushing the boundaries of observational astronomy, allowing scientists to probe the origins of the universe, study the properties of dark matter and dark energy, and search for potentially habitable worlds beyond our solar system.
The Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab
A part of the Steward Observatory and a key research arm of the University of Arizona in Tucson, is a world-renowned facility specializing in the production of some of the largest and most precise astronomical mirrors ever made. The lab uses an innovative spin-casting process to create lightweight, honeycomb-structured mirrors from borosilicate glass, capable of achieving exceptional optical quality. These mirrors are integral components of groundbreaking telescopes. The lab combines advanced engineering, materials science, and astronomy expertise to push the boundaries of space observation and exploration.
Mirrors produced for several groundbreaking telescopes, including:
- Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT)
- Large Binocular Telescope (LBT)
- Vera C. Rubin Observatory (formerly LSST)
- Magellan Telescopes
- Multiple Mirror Telescope (MMT)
- University of Arizona SkyCenter Telescopes
- and more ...
Personal Welcome
Dr. Buell T. Jannuzi
Director, Steward Observatory &
Department Head - Astronomy
Dr. Peter Strittmatter
Regents' Professor, Former Director
(37 years) Steward Observatory
The Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab
A part of the Steward Observatory and a key research arm of the University of Arizona in Tucson, is a world-renowned facility specializing in the production of some of the largest and most precise astronomical mirrors ever made. The lab uses an innovative spin-casting process to create lightweight, honeycomb-structured mirrors from borosilicate glass, capable of achieving exceptional optical quality. These mirrors are integral components of groundbreaking telescopes. The lab combines advanced engineering, materials science, and astronomy expertise to push the boundaries of space observation and exploration.
Mirrors produced for several groundbreaking telescopes, including:
- Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT)
- Large Binocular Telescope (LBT)
- Vera C. Rubin Observatory (formerly LSST)
- Magellan Telescopes
- Multiple Mirror Telescope (MMT)
- University of Arizona SkyCenter Telescopes
- and more ...
Behind-the-Scenes Tour