Getting Lucky at the Cassegrain (Focus)

It can be very difficult to assemble and tune a precision scientific instrument while oxygen-deprived and cold at the summit of a mountain. Still, sometimes, everything works out perfectly, and we get lucky at the Cassegrain focus, the spot at the back of the telescope where we install the instrument. This video is from two runs at the IRTF telescope to observe Saturn and Mars, with music provided by Debbie and John to celebrate the experience. The tune is traditional, "Sally Ann."

With Ted, Tim, Kelly, Guido, and John. Special guest appearances by Imai and Maury!

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Mauna
• Kea
• IRTF
• observatory
• HIPWAC
• telescope
• astronomy
• Hawaii
• volcano
• science
• NASA

[PhilAEG]

Probably the best astronomy-related video on YouTube

[Photomixers]

@PhilAEG : I love you, man!

[foreilly1958]

Pretty neat video. I hope that you were able to reduce your data and obtain meaningful results.

Francis J. O'Reilly

foreilly1958

[Photomixers]

Working on it!

[ecarfar]

I never get lucky at the Cassegrain.....I think I need a little collimation.

[FiliberkeNys]

The second best video on YouTube MauneKea astronomers are cool!

[dave4gee]

Good Stuff, I like Hotel Mauna Kea too.

Dave

[jsstuart]

I've been to the IRTF only once, but your videos are fun. Keep up the good work!

Oh! I just met Tim on a review panel and I overheard him going on about the heterodyne.