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Richard F. Caris Mirror Laboratory: Peering into the Cosmos

Explore the forefront of astronomical technology at the University of Arizona's Mirror Lab, crafting giant telescope mirrors to unlock the universe's secrets.

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Venture beneath the University of Arizona's football stadium to discover the Richard F. Caris Mirror Laboratory, where groundbreaking engineering and optical technology converge to create the world's largest telescope mirrors. Witness the revolutionary processes that will enable the next generation of telescopes to explore the deepest reaches of space.

A brief summary to University of Arizona's Richard F. Caris Mirror Laboratory

Local tips

  • Tours require advance booking; visit the Mirror Lab's website or call to reserve your spot.
  • Wear closed-toe, flat shoes for the tour, as it involves walking and stairs.
  • Leave personal belongings, such as bags and water bottles, behind as they are not permitted inside the lab.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab is located on the east side of the University of Arizona's football stadium. Enter through Gate 4 and follow the sidewalk south; the lab entrance is marked by two blue benches. From the Steward Observatory, where tours begin, it's a short walk to the Mirror Lab.

  • Public Transport

    Tucson's public transportation is free until at least June 2025. Several Sun Tran bus routes serve the University of Arizona area. Check the Sun Tran website for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. From any bus stop on campus, follow signs towards the Arizona Stadium and then proceed to Gate 4 on the stadium's east side.

  • Parking

    Parking near the Mirror Lab is available in the Cherry Avenue Garage and the South Stadium Garage. Parking is self-pay. Limited metered parking is also available. Contact UA Parking and Transportation for parking options.

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Discover more about University of Arizona's Richard F. Caris Mirror Laboratory

The Richard F. Caris Mirror Laboratory, nestled beneath the University of Arizona's Arizona Stadium, is a testament to human ingenuity and our relentless pursuit of understanding the universe. This unique facility is where the world's largest and most advanced telescope mirrors are designed and manufactured, pushing the boundaries of optical technology and engineering. Visitors on the 90-minute tour will witness the revolutionary processes used to create these giant mirrors, some measuring over 27 feet in diameter. These mirrors are not simply large; they employ a honeycomb structure made from borosilicate glass, providing exceptional strength with minimal weight. The process involves melting 25 tons of glass at temperatures exceeding 2,156°F (1,180°C) while spinning the mold for a week. The mirror then slowly cools over 11 weeks while still spinning, ensuring the perfect shape. The mirrors crafted here are destined for some of the most ambitious telescopes on Earth, including the Large Binocular Telescope and the Giant Magellan Telescope. These next-generation telescopes will allow astronomers to peer deeper into space and further back in time, seeking answers to fundamental questions about the universe. The University of Arizona's astronomy program is ranked #1 in the U.S., and this lab is a key reason why. A visit requires closed-toe shoes and the ability to navigate stairs. Personal belongings, including bags and water bottles, are not permitted in the facility.

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