RC Optical Systems

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory ...

In May of 2005, RCOS attended a private tour of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory,Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory atop Mt. Hopkins in Southern Arizona. This is the home of the 6.5-meter MMT, the 1.3-meter PAIRITEL (Peters Automated IR Imaging Telescope, ex-2MASS, the 10-meter optical Gamma-ray reflector telescope, and more.

All photos by Brad Ehrhorn

A view of the 6.5m MMT from the 10m Gamma Ray Telescope on the "Ridge".

The 10m optical Gamma-ray reflector telescope.

Upper Truss Cage and Secondary assembly of the recently refitted 6.5m MMT.

Lower Truss Cage and Primary Mirror (covered). The primary mirror baffle is suspended above the primary by steel cables.

Under the 6.5m Primary Mirror looking up at the receptacle for the large mosaic MegaCam (removed at the time of this picture).

Looking WNW from the summit, Kitt Peak is in the distance.

Click here for more information on Mt. Hopkins Whipple Observatory.

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RC Optical Systems, Inc. An Arizona Corporation
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