Magnum Telescope

Magnum Telescope Site Evaluation and 3D Scanning Services [ Steward Observatory, University of Arizona, Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter, Arizona ]

Steward Observatory is pursuing development of a new facility for the Magnum Telescope at its SkyCenter complex on Mt. Lemmon, Arizona, evaluating multiple candidate sites for their suitability to support the telescope’s observing requirements. The Magnum is a decommissioned telescope being refurbished and reactivated by the University of Arizona, reflecting a growing trend in astronomy toward salvaging and repurposing high-quality telescope hardware as an alternative to new procurement. With major observatory funding under increasing constraint, extending the productive life of existing instruments represents a pragmatic and cost-conscious path to maintaining research capability. To inform the site selection decision, M3 was engaged to perform on-site 3D LiDAR scanning and horizon obstruction analysis at four potential locations, assessing sight lines, tree canopy profiles, and building silhouettes that could affect the telescope’s viewing angles and ultimate science performance.

M3 performed the scanning campaign ahead of the original schedule using a Faro LiDAR 3D scanner, capturing detailed point cloud data at each candidate location and post-processing the results. Conical swept aperture geometry was inserted into the registered scan model at each site to visualize potential obstructions against horizon angles provided by Steward Observatory. The analysis successfully confirmed viable sightline clearances at select locations and also inventoried specific trees that interfere with viewing at several of the candidate sites, a finding with direct relevance to the University’s ongoing U.S. Forest Service Special Use Permit process for development at the summit.

With the site evaluation phase complete, the project is now advancing into preliminary design with M3. To the benefit of cost efficiency, the facility design intends to adapt the facilities prototype previously constructed for the KMTNet telescope facility and donated by a local construction contractor, reducing engineering and material costs by leveraging an already-proven design. The scan data is informing the downselection of candidate sites and providing site reference information for enclosure and facility design. M3 is continuing to support Steward Observatory as the project progresses toward a solution that balances observing performance, site constraints, cost, and permitting requirements at this ecologically sensitive mountaintop location just a short drive from M3’s headquarters in Tucson.