The La Palma site

~1996

TNGGTC

2005

TNG

ELT

~2015 ??

WHT

TNG: flexible scheduling4 optimized instruments always on-line and available for scientific observations. Relatively quick change between observing modes/configurations/instruments: ~5 min within the same focal station, <=25 min to “change the Nasmyth”.Ideal facility for flexible scheduling & queuing observations.

I

TNG-DOLORES A versatile multi-mode optical instrument

I

TNG-SARG A stable and optimized HR optical spectrometer

I

TNG-NICS An efficient, versatile IR instrument with unique features

I

Is TNG a small telescope?

It is not always the size that matters...

TNG: possibly the most cost effectiveamong European 4m-class telescopes

Science with TNG