100″ Reflector at Mt. Wilson Observatory
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100″ reflecting telescope at Mt. Wilson Observatory
As the astronomy workshop at Mt. Wilson Observatory continues, we took some time to tour what could be considered one of the most important telescopes of the early 20th century – the 100″ Hooker Telescope at Mt. Wilson Observatory.
Named after John T. Hooker, who funded the 100″ mirror, the 100″ telescope at Mt. Wilson Observatory had the distinction of being the largest telescope in the world until the Palomar 200″ telescope was completed in 1948. Notable research performed with the 100″ telescope includes Edwin Hubble’s famous research on the expansion rate of the Universe, and work on the cosmic distance scale.
Researchers can use one of three optical configurations for their research projects. Located at the telescope’s Coudé focus is a high-resolution spectrograph. After being dormant from 1986 until 1994, the telescope underwent significant upgrades which made the telescope suitable for research purposes.
Despite the major upgrades, workers made great strides to preserve many elements of the telescope’s rich history. Included in the upgrades were a modern “adaptive” optics system which allows for new high-resolution studies of astronomical objects.
Unlike the 60″ telescope, the 100″ is not open to the public for observations, however the telescope is suitable (and available) for experimental and long-term research programs. Researchers from JPL, Caltech, the USNO, and The University of Illinois have utilized the 100″ for a variety of research projects.
While the 100″ telescope isn’t available for public observations, there are public tours of the telescope during the day by means of a visitors gallery entered on the west side of the 100-inch telescope dome.
If you’d like to learn more about the Hooker 100″ telescope at Mt. Wilson Observatory, visit: http://www.mtwilson.edu/vir/100in.php
Ray Sanders is a Sci-Fi geek, astronomer and blogger. Currently researching variable stars at Arizona State University, he writes for Universe Today, The Planetary Society blog, and his own blog, Dear Astronomer
2012-12-04 08:07:51
Source: http://www.dearastronomer.com/2012/06/22/100-reflector-at-mt-wilson-observatory/
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