Research Telescopes

Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT)

A 4.3-meter “Swiss Army Knife of Telescopes,” delivering cutting-edge views of the universe through a uniquely versatile, multi-instrument design.

Observatory buildings and telescopes illuminated under a starry sky with moonlight.

Overview

The 4.3-meter Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT), formerly called the Discovery Channel Telescope (DCT), is one of the most versatile telescopes in the world. With a revolutionary instrument cube that allows for the simultaneous attachment of five instruments, the LDT has been called “the Swiss Army Knife of Telescopes.” Lowell Observatory solely owns and operates the telescope, and has formed scientific partnerships that grant access to scientists from Boston University, the University of Maryland, the University of Toledo, Yale University, and Northern Arizona University.

The LDT is one of the most sophisticated ground-based telescopes of its size. It is designed to accommodate four different optical configurations: Ritchey-Chrétien (RC), prime focus, Nasmyth, and bent Cassegrain. Currently only the RC configuration is used, in which starlight reflects off the primary and secondary mirrors and comes to a focus near the bottom of the telescope.

Specifications

Diameter: 4.3 m
Effective Focal Length: 25.6 m
f/ratio: 6.0

Large telescope at Lowell Observatory with blue stairs and high-tech interior.

Large telescope at Lowell Observatory under construction or maintenance.

For partners and those observing using our instruments, click the link below for all primary LDT and Anderson Mesa SciOps pages and resources.

Resources