VLT´s UT2 coating

The primary mirror (M1) of UT2, already detached from the telescope structure, is being covered for its transportation from the telescope to the Main Maintenance Building (MMB), where it will be recoated. The purpose of this cover is to avoid that the sun hits the mirror. The cleaning of the VLT´s M1s is a very delicate operation which takes place every 18 months and consists in removing the reflective aluminum layer by chemical washing and then recoating the mirror.

Credit:

ESO

About the Image

Id:eso-p-mirror-lv4
Type:Photographic
Release date:10 May 2010, 10:12
Size:1920 x 2560 px

About the Object

Name:Very Large Telescope
Type:Unspecified : Technology : Observatory : Telescope
Category:Paranal

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