And thanks to the National Capital Astronomers and the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club for their help in setting up their telescopes for the public to use.

WHITEHOUSE: National Mall Opens to Stargazers

The ability to construct large telescopes for a fraction of the usual cost could transform astronomy.

ECONOMIST: Mirror, mirror

Both Heads of State highlighted the effective collaboration in the fields of astronomy and astro-engineering which will allow the operation of the LSST and ALMA telescopes in the northern Chile, involving an investment of 1.5 billion dollars, with a close collaboration between public and private academic and research institutions in both countries.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama on the United States and Latin America

Merlin is also regularly linked to telescopes across Europe and around the globe to make observations which have the highest resolution in astronomy.

BBC: Lovell Radio Telescope refurbished