A very inspiring read...

[astro_nutt]

Hi everyone,
I've just finished reading" The Glass Giant of Palomar" by David O Woodbury. First edition 1940..
It tells the story of many great men..their lives and upbringings..who were brought together to design and construct the largest telescope (at that time)in the world. Looking back to that time period when the big industries of the World was taking off in massive strides...and the desire for bigger and better in anything was possible.
It also tells of the tremendous hurdles that had to be overcome..and the new processes used for the first time on such a gigantic scale..such as coating mirrors with aluminum..
Inspiring? very much so!!..especially to those willing to build or modify their own equipment!

[DobDobDob (Ron)]

Sounds like a great read, where did you source the book from?

Okay, to answer my own question, good old Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/glass-giant-Pa.../dp/0396019196

[Ric]

It sounds like a great read, I'll keep a look out for it.

I remember as a kid Mt Palomar was the biggest scope around and the images at the time were awesome.

Cheers

[DobDobDob (Ron)]

Yes me too, I remember first becoming aware of it through Erich Von Daniken's Chariots of the Gods, which was huge when I was a school kid.

[astro_nutt]

Hi Ron,
The book..plus a few other..were kindley given to by one of the patrons at the Sporting Club where I work..not to mention a very old embossed cardborad planisphere!!

[DobDobDob (Ron)]

Great stuff, there is no better price than free Make sure enjoy all of it. Old books can reveal so much, you seem to read it and constantly run a comparison against the current knowledge. It slows down reading the book, but gives a wonderful insight into how things have changed over time. Good on you