Conversion of the MMT to a 6.5-m telescope: the optics support structure and the enclosure

Joseph Antebi; Donald O. Dusenberry; Atis A. Liepins

doi:10.1117/12.319272

25 August 1998 Conversion of the MMT to a 6.5-m telescope: the optics support structure and the enclosure

Joseph Antebi, Donald O. Dusenberry, Atis A. Liepins

Proceedings Volume 3352, Advanced Technology Optical/IR Telescopes VI; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.319272
Event: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, 1998, Kona, HI, United States

Abstract

The Multiple Mirror Telescope, located on Mt. Hopkins AZ, previously used an array of six telescopes on a single mount to achieve an effective aperture of 4.5 m. It is now being converted to a 6.5-m telescope with a single primary. The design for the converted telescope includes provision for three interchangeable secondaries. Difficulties and risk associated with handling large mirrors dictated that the realuminizing of the 6.5-m primary be performed in-place. This requires the use of an onboard vacuum chamber. The observing chamber in the rotating observatory building had to be enlarged to accommodate the longer telescope, and sliding doors were built into the rear wall to improve air circulation through the chamber. Described are the objectives, constraints, and the development of the design, from concept to implementation, of the Optics Support Structure for the 6.5-m telescope. Also described are the modifications to the observatory building.

Citation Download Citation

Joseph Antebi, Donald O. Dusenberry, and Atis A. Liepins "Conversion of the MMT to a 6.5-m telescope: the optics support structure and the enclosure", Proc. SPIE 3352, Advanced Technology Optical/IR Telescopes VI, (25 August 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.319272

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