The Subaru Telescope itself

Main unit 22.2 m in height and weighing 555 t

The main unit of the Subaru Telescope, including the Altazimuth mount, stands 22.2 m high and weighs 555 t.This sturdy structure supports a linear-motor drive system that achieves astronomical tracking to within an ultra-precise 0.00003 degrees of arc.

The Subaru Telescope itself
Instruments of the Subaru Telescope
The environment surrounding the Subaru Telescope

Main unit 22.2 m in height and weighing 555 t

The Subaru Telescope is one of the few 8-meter-class telescopes in the world that allows instruments to be mounted at the primary focus.

The main unit of the Subaru Telescope has a height of 22.2 m and is 27.2 m wide at its widest point. Rotating parts have a combined weight of 555t. The Subaru Telescope is a Ritchey-Chrétien reflecting telescope that can image an incredibly wide field of view with little coma aberration. An Altazimuth mount supports its weight.

To minimize friction among these enormous, heavy structures, the components float atop oil pads. Driving the telescope is a high-tech telescope drive control system incorporating a linear motor. This sophisticated, virtually friction-free system realizes astronomical tracking precision to within 0.00003 degrees of arc.