A Closer Look: Though simple in appearance, the Harvard telescope has some unusual features. During observations, the roof of the observatory slides back to reveal the sky [far left, top].

Multipixel photomultiplier tubes, visible as small black cubes [far left, bottom], convert incoming photons into electrons. Heating ­elements on the backs of the 1.8-meter ­primary and 0.9‑meter secondary mirrors [middle] reduce condensation; team members Andrew Howard [in blue] and Curtis Mead stand next to the detector electronics.

At night, the telescope’s control room [right] is lit by red LEDs, which help preserve the operators’ night vision.