fut-lnrtel_v_bw_o_n (original 1965 press photo)
“A laboratory in the side of a crater might be used to house twin telescopes on the moon.”
“The lower gravitational field of the moon will permit astronomers to use large telescopes for deep observations into space. The reason for the lower gravitational pull lies in the smaller mass and size of the moon. As a consequence, lunar gravity is one sixth that of the earth’s.
This means that a telescope which weighs several thousand pounds on the moon; the problems of structural rigidity so critical in large telescopes thus can be minimized.
One important feature of the lunar telescope may be the introduction of new, exotic, materials which will allow the fabrication of large mirror systems of relatively low weight. The Orbiting Astronomical Observatory will use a 40-inch beryllium mirror. This mirror will weigh about 120 pounds. If this were a conventional glass mirror as used in usual reflector, the 40-inch disk would weigh 750 pounds.
Other techniques, such as “electroforming,” are being considered. These offer a promise of even lighter, large-diameter mirrors. There has been a 120-inch mirror produced which weighs but 30 pounds. This one is so light that the critical imaging accuracy so essential in an astronomical telescope is lacking. Perhaps in time refinements of this process may give rise to an acceptable mirror. Even a large “flower-petal” mirror has been proposed. However, the optical properties of this mirror are presently too unsatisfactory for use.”
As written by Dr. I. M. Levitt, Director, Franklin Institute, Philadelphia. Despite the lack of signature, I’m sure it’s by John Gorsuch, reinforced by the identity of the writer. Dr. Levitt & Mr. Gorsuch seemed to have had a collaborative arrangement/agreement whereby Mr. Gorsuch brought to life the ideas, proposals, prognostications, etc. of the good doctor.
A wonderfully nostalgic glimpse by the respected Astronomer of what was cautiously anticipated, but never to be, in manned lunar space flight. However, is not his reference to a “flower petal” mirror in essence, that of the JWST? I know squat about telescope mirrors, so I may be/probably am wrong.
fut-lnrtel_v_bw_o_n (original 1965 press photo)
“A laboratory in the side of a crater might be used to house twin telescopes on the moon.”
“The lower gravitational field of the moon will permit astronomers to use large telescopes for deep observations into space. The reason for the lower gravitational pull lies in the smaller mass and size of the moon. As a consequence, lunar gravity is one sixth that of the earth’s.
This means that a telescope which weighs several thousand pounds on the moon; the problems of structural rigidity so critical in large telescopes thus can be minimized.
One important feature of the lunar telescope may be the introduction of new, exotic, materials which will allow the fabrication of large mirror systems of relatively low weight. The Orbiting Astronomical Observatory will use a 40-inch beryllium mirror. This mirror will weigh about 120 pounds. If this were a conventional glass mirror as used in usual reflector, the 40-inch disk would weigh 750 pounds.
Other techniques, such as “electroforming,” are being considered. These offer a promise of even lighter, large-diameter mirrors. There has been a 120-inch mirror produced which weighs but 30 pounds. This one is so light that the critical imaging accuracy so essential in an astronomical telescope is lacking. Perhaps in time refinements of this process may give rise to an acceptable mirror. Even a large “flower-petal” mirror has been proposed. However, the optical properties of this mirror are presently too unsatisfactory for use.”
As written by Dr. I. M. Levitt, Director, Franklin Institute, Philadelphia. Despite the lack of signature, I’m sure it’s by John Gorsuch, reinforced by the identity of the writer. Dr. Levitt & Mr. Gorsuch seemed to have had a collaborative arrangement/agreement whereby Mr. Gorsuch brought to life the ideas, proposals, prognostications, etc. of the good doctor.
A wonderfully nostalgic glimpse by the respected Astronomer of what was cautiously anticipated, but never to be, in manned lunar space flight. However, is not his reference to a “flower petal” mirror in essence, that of the JWST? I know squat about telescope mirrors, so I may be/probably am wrong.