Arizona, Dark energy, and my Dog

In December 2025, I have been offered to visit Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO), Arizona, USA. On top of the mountain, surrounded by the desert, sits a series of telescopes resembling white mushrooms. It is in the largest of them that is found the motive of my coming: the 4m Mayall Telescope where is installed the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI). As part of the DESI collaboration, it was an excitement to finally meet the eyes responsible for the data we analyse.

Also I couldn’t refrain from making a reinterpretation of the DESI logo with my own pictures. Moon my Cocker Spaniel is there replacing BaoBan the coyote as the embassador of the DESI collaboration.

From left to right we recognize the 2.3m Bok Telescope and the 4m Mayall Telescope. They both took part into the DESI Legacy Imaging Surveys in order to provide target galaxies and stars for the spectroscopic instrument later installed on the Mayall.