Dr. Rachel Smith and Michael Tucker Return From Keck Observatory - Mauna Kea, Hawaii

Dr. Rachel Smith and Michael Tucker just returned from observing massive young stellar objects across the Galaxy, using the NIRSPEC instrument on the Keck II telescope, atop Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii.

They toured the summit, including Keck Observatory on June 30, and had wonderful clear skies for observing on July 2 and 3!

A film crew joined the trip as part of a new VICE documentary in which Smith will be a featured scientist.

 

Tucker posing with Keck I and II in the background, Mauna Kea 

Tucker posing with Keck I and II in the background, Mauna Kea

View of adjacent telescopes atop Mauna Kea

View of adjacent telescopes atop Mauna Kea

Tucker in front of the Keck II 10-meter mirror, inside the dome 

Tucker in front of the Keck II 10-meter mirror, inside the dome

Smith in front of NIRSPEC, covered to keep dust away when not in use 

Smith in front of NIRSPEC, covered to keep dust away when not in use

Crew and others on the Keck II bridge, inside the dome

Crew and others on the Keck II bridge, inside the dome

Reflections in one of the extremely reflective mirror segments, in storage in Keck's “mirror barn”

Reflections in one of the extremely reflective mirror segments, in storage in Keck's “mirror barn”

Tucker and the the film crew (including visiting microbiologist Luke McKay) discuss observing at Keck II Headquarters, Waimea

Tucker and the film crew (including visiting microbiologist Luke McKay) discuss observing at Keck II Headquarters, Waimea

Smith and Tucker observing massive young stars with NIRSPEC on Keck II

Smith and Tucker observing massive young stars with NIRSPEC on Keck II

Tucker taking data with NIRSPEC

Tucker taking data with NIRSPEC

Smith and Tucker standing in front of Keck Observatory entrance, Mauna Kea
Published: Jul 12, 2017 4:05pm

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