Latest News
Ongoing Improvements at the MMTO
Oct 03, 2015
Some improvements funded by the Smithsonian Institution are currently taking place at the MMTO. Improvements to the summit road, a new roof and snow melt system for the MMT enclosure, upgrades to the HVAC system, and an upgraded dock …
Openings for Two Queue Observers – Closed
Sep 29, 2015
The MMTO has openings for two queue observers (posting# A20303). More details and an online application can be found here.
Exposure Time Calculator for Hectospec and Binospec
Sep 15, 2015
The Telescope Data Center announces the availability of a web based Exposure Time Calculator for Hectospec and the upcoming Binospec. It can be found here. New features include an option for the 1000 line grating on Binospec, as well as …
Re-aluminization Testing and Preparations
Sep 01, 2015
Now that summer shutdown tasks have been completed and the MMTO has reopened, staff have resumed working at the UA Steward Observatory Sunnyside Coating Facility in preparation for the realuminization of the primary mirror scheduled for summer 2016. Currently, …
‘New Horizons’ Flyby of Pluto
Aug 05, 2015
Read commentary by Dr. Scott Kenyon, Senior Astrophysicist at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, regarding the exciting mission to Pluto! The Smithsonian Institution and the UA jointly operate the MMTO.
Final August – December Observing Schedule and Program Titles
Jul 29, 2015
The final observing schedule for August 25-December 31 has been posted, along with Program Titles.
MMIRS returns to the MMTO!
Jun 30, 2015
The MMT and Magellan Infrared Spectrograph (MMIRS), commissioned at the MMTO in 2009, has returned from the Magellan-Clay telescope in Chile. It will be available as part of our suite of instruments later this year. More information can be …
Milky Way Inner Halo
Jun 10, 2015
Researchers at the CfA have released a new paper studying the halo of our Milky Way, using data from the MMT’s Hectospec of more than five thousand stars. The global motions of the stars help decode information about the …
Scientists Uncover Clues on Star Nicknamed “Nasty 1”
Jun 09, 2015
Astronomers have recently learned more about an unusual old star, using data from the MMT, the Hubble Space Telescope, and the Magellan Observatory. The new observations show a disk of material around the star – something that has not …
Mt. Hopkins Rd
May 31, 2015
The road is open with no restrictions until further notice. Call 520-879-4422 for daily recorded updates.