Information from the European Southern Observatory ESO Press Photos 36a-f/98 22 September 1998 For immediate release | |
Second 8.2-m VLT Mirror and its Cell Arrive at Paranal The "First Light" event for the first 8.2-m VLT Unit Telescope (UT1) already four months past, the first major astronomical instrument (FORS1) has now been mounted on this telescope, and the first test observations are under way. During the past months, much work has been going on in the second enclosure and the telescope within (UT2) is quickly taking shape, cf. ESO PR Photo 30d/98. Following installation of the optics, etc. it is now expected that it will see "First Light" with the VLT Test Camera, not later than April 1999. Meanwhile, the mirror cell for the second 8.2-m mirror has arrived at Paranal and the mirror itself, well protected in its transport box, arrived after the long trip from Europe in the evening of September 20. The transport went well and the incoming inspection showed "green lights" on the shock indicators. The mirror is now waiting for its coating and integration with the M1 cell which is scheduled for December 1998. Here are some related electronic photos, obtained by ESO staff on these occasions. More information about the Very Large Telescope (VLT) project is available on the ESO Web.
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ESO Press Photo 36a/98
[JPEG: 144k] The convoy with the heavy M1 Cell for the second VLT Unit Telescope (UT2) arrives at the gate of the Paranal Base Camp. (Photo obtained on August 23, 1998). | 
ESO Press Photo 36b/98
[JPEG: 168k] The great size of the M1 Cell and the special baseplate for support during transatlantic transport causes some problems with the road signs at Paranal. (Photo obtained on August 23, 1998). | | | | 
ESO Press Photo 36c/98
[JPEG: 160k] The convoy with the second 8.2-m mirror safely inside its box left the Antofagasta port area on-time in the morning of September 19. It reached the turnoff for Paranal on the desert road at about noon. Two graders were used to smooth the road ahead, as was done last time. (Photo obtained on September 20, 1998). | 
ESO Press Photo 36d/98
[JPEG: 152k] The Mirror and the Desert. (Photo obtained on September 20, 1998). | | | | 
ESO Press Photo 36e/98
[JPEG: 160k] This photo shows the box with the second 8.2-m Zerodur mirror in front of Mirror Maintenance Building, in the morning after arrival at Paranal. From here it will later be moved into the building, the mirror will be lifted out and then placed on the M1 cell. (Photo obtained on September 21, 1998). | 
ESO Press Photo 36f/98
[JPEG: 96k] In mid-August, just before the start of the Science Verification Period, the falt, elliptical M3-mirror of Zerodur was mounted on the "M3 Tower" of the UT1. (Photo obtained on August 14, 1998). | | |
This is the caption to ESO PR Photos 36a-f/98 . They may be reproduced, if credit is given to the European Southern Observatory. © ESO Education & Public Relations Department
Karl-Schwarzschild-Strasse 2, D-85748 Garching, Germany
ESO Press Information is made available on the World-Wide Web
(URL: http://www.eso.org ). |
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