Mirror, mirror on the floor... - September 02, 2008
When the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope starts star gazing in 2015 it will, according to its team, be the “widest, fastest, deepest eye of the new digital age”.
Now the giant furnace that has been casting the huge piece of glass that will eventually become two of the three mirrors has been opened. The glass – called a mirror blank – is ‘perfect’ says the LSST (press release). And they let the team sit on it?
The huge, 25,000 kg piece of glass will be ground into an 8.4 metre primary mirror and a 5 metre third mirror. What I really want to know is where the LSST team are getting their shirts. Seriously, where can I find these:
If all this has inspired you, why not make your own telescope.
Image: Howard Lester / LSST Corporation.
Now the giant furnace that has been casting the huge piece of glass that will eventually become two of the three mirrors has been opened. The glass – called a mirror blank – is ‘perfect’ says the LSST (press release). And they let the team sit on it?
The huge, 25,000 kg piece of glass will be ground into an 8.4 metre primary mirror and a 5 metre third mirror. What I really want to know is where the LSST team are getting their shirts. Seriously, where can I find these:
If all this has inspired you, why not make your own telescope.
Image: Howard Lester / LSST Corporation.
Comments
Google "hibiscus shirt" or "Hawaiian shirt" as a lesser alternative. Southern California toward its beaches is one hotbed. The very best shirts are 100% polyester and sufficiently garish to make a balrog gag.
Posted by: Uncle Al | September 2, 2008 05:43 PM
These are wonderful shirts! They look like they're just mad enough to be from Mad Gringo (www.madgringo.com). Good stuff, that.
Posted by: Mad Ken | September 4, 2008 10:33 PM
I am the Supervisor for the Polishing Area. I am retired Army (30yrs), and I am thrilled to be a part of something as revolutionary as the LSST. This is a personal legacy that my great-grandchildren will appreciate even more to know that Great-Grandpa helped build this thing. Oh, and I am right in the center of this photo!!
Posted by: Patrick Stevenson | September 5, 2008 07:05 PM