Solar Telescope

A commanding presence at Kitt Peak is this interesting structure which doesn't look like a telescope that we would expect. Sunlight hits a mirror at the top and is directed 500 feet diagonally downward to a camera 300 feet below the surface. The angled shaft is water cooled to prevent temperature aberations of the light beam.

26 telescopes are located on this mountain at an elevation of 6500 feet. It is above most atmospheric haze and pollution. The sun was very bright at noon.