The University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy has launched initial science operations for Robo-AO-2, a robotic laser adaptive optics system now operating at the UH 2.2-meter telescope.

The milestone marks a major leap in how astronomers observe the night sky, according to a UH news release. Robo-AO-2 is designed to correct the blur caused by Earth’s atmosphere, sharpening images of hundreds of objects each night with minimal human oversight.

The system is led by astronomer Christoph Baranec, who has spent years advancing adaptive optics technology at IfA.

“Making Robo-AO-2 operational represents years of dedicated engineering and innovation,” said Baranec, a member of IfA’s robotic adaptive optics program. “This system demonstrates how University of Hawai‘i facilities continue to pio

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