Hobby Eberly Telescope Tube. Hobby-Eberly Telescope Credit: Ethan Tweedie Photography Telescope Details site Location: McDonald Observatory, near Fort Davis, Texas Purpose: To.
The Hobby Eberly Telescope (HET) is a 9.2-meter telescope located at the McDonald Observatory in the Davis Mountains of West Texas. As of 2020, the HET is the world’s third largest optical telescope. The telescope is composed of 91 hexagonal mirrors that form a parabola-like shape, giving the HET a wide field of view. The telescope was designed with a unique tube design, which allows for a more efficient use of light, resulting in a sharper image.
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The unique structure of the HET tube is composed of three main elements: the cell, the mirror, and the baffle. The cell is the structural support for the telescope, and it is made from a combination of aluminum and steel. The cell is designed to be stiff and lightweight, allowing it to support the weight of the optics without adding unnecessary mass. The mirror is composed of 91 individual hexagonal mirrors, each measuring 1.8 meters in diameter. These mirrors are arranged in a parabolic shape, which gives the HET its wide field of view. The mirrors are made from a special glass that is coated with a reflective material to maximize light capture. The baffle is a black cylinder that surrounds the mirrors, and it is designed to minimize light scatter, resulting in a sharper image.
The HET tube also features a number of other features that help to optimize the telescope’s performance. The telescope is equipped with a tracking system that allows it to follow objects as they move through the sky. The telescope also has a cooling system that helps to reduce thermal noise, resulting in a clearer image. Finally, the HET tube is designed with a system that reduces air turbulence, resulting in less image blurring.
Assembling the HET Tube
Assembling the HET tube requires a great deal of precision and care. The first step is to assemble the cell, which consists of the structural support for the telescope. This is done by fastening a series of aluminum and steel components together using a variety of specialized tools. Once the cell is assembled, the mirror and baffle can be attached. The mirrors are carefully aligned and secured in place, and the baffle is then attached to the cell. Finally, the tracking system and cooling system are installed, and the telescope is ready for use.
The HET tube is a remarkable example of engineering excellence, and it is an integral part of the McDonald Observatory. The unique design of the tube allows for a more efficient use of light, resulting in a sharper image. The telescope is also equipped with a tracking system, cooling system, and a baffle to minimize light scatter. With these features, the HET is able to capture detailed images of distant galaxies, stars, and other celestial objects.
McDonald Observatory -Hobby – Eberly 9.2 meter Telescope
The Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET) is the world’s fourth largest optical telescope. The telescope is a collaboration between Penn State and the University of. , Hobby Eberly Telescope Tube.
