|
Yeah, I was there today! I was allowed to take and share photos of items in storage which we visited on the tour before going to the scope itself. I've shared the eyepieces photos.
Original suite of eyepieces with magnifications (in this telescope) from x238 to x1000. A two lens Hugyens design, manufactured by Grubb in 1868. I understand that the x238 weighs some 7kg.
Part of the 48 point mirror support for the 1,000kg speculum 1.2m primary mirror. Mirrors in the refurbished GMT will be glass. They have a (fragile) speculum primary for future display.
Me with the machine (a glass wall in between sadly). I understand that it was only recently that the tube unit was reunited with the mount.
No "first light" from this location - they cannot take the roof off the heritage building it is currently in.
It will eventually return to public viewing, from the middle of Melbourne. It was said it will be the largest telescope dedicated to public viewing in the world.
I've attached the ASV factsheet on the original scope for information.
Thanks again Michael for the "heads-up". Eric
|