Dear ATMers,
As we are approaching very close to the final completion of the observatory we belief that it is the right moment to dismantle the telescope and to give it a thorough cleaning on its optical components. Both the primary and secondary mirrors were extremely dirty after idling for about two years.
Weighing at about 100 lbs it takes several students to hold up the OTA upon releasing of the primary mirror from its cell. We also noticed that the material of the primary was a Zerudor, a Rolls-Royce class material ( actually similar type of zero-expansion glass is widely used in kitchenware at cheap prices ) for making reflector. It is deep brown in color and made into a bowl-shape.
At a thickness of about 3 inches (!!! ) the mirror is heavy. We didn’t risk bringing the mirror downstairs and so we decided to clean the mirror right on the spot. The cleaning was easy – the standard soap solution – tap water – distill water – dry naturally sequence.
We are coming very close to total completion of the observatory. With all its mirrors cleaned the telescope is waiting for clear sky to make alignment and calibration.
Clear skies, may we hope for your early arrival !
Best regards
Chan Yuk Lun
26th March 2009
Construction of Robotic Observatory - 12, Mirror Cleaning
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Construction of Robotic Observatory - 12, Mirror Cleaning
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- Cleaning of the mirror by soap solution and “Tempo”.
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- Dirty primary mirror
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- Dismantling of the primary mirror cell.
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最後由 Chanlunlun 於 週五 27 3月, 2009 10:42 編輯,總共編輯了 2 次。
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- 文章: 3847
- 註冊時間: 週四 09 10月, 2003 21:06
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