ERIE, Pa. -- The iLocator on Mt. Graham in Arizona is the first high-resolution astronomical spectrometer that was designed to operate at infrared wavelengths. It uses an adaptive optics system to correct the blurring of images that occurs as they pass through Earth’s atmosphere.

The iLocator is part of the Large Binocular Telescope, which is operated by a consortium of universities. The instrument was designed by Justin Crepp, a Penn State Behrend alumnus who now teaches physics and astronomy at Notre Dame.

Crepp will discuss the project, which could help astronomers detect planets around nearby stars, at the next Open House Night in Astronomy at Penn State Behrend. His April 27 talk, which begins at 6:30 p.m. in Room 101 of the Otto Behrend Science Building, is free and open to the public.

Crepp’s talk will explore Astro-engineering – the design, construction and testing of instruments that are housed at ground-based observatories.

Open House Nights in Astronomy are an outreach program of the School of Science at Penn State Behrend. These scientific presentations re intended for ages 8 and up. For additional information, contact the school at 814-898-6105.