Mounting SDSS Mosaic Camera for First Light: May 7, 1998

The mosaic camera was mounted today in preparation for first light. The Gunn/Carr/Rockosi/Lupton team from PU were supported by French Leger/UW, Angie Prosapio and Steve Bastian from FNL, Mark Klaene and Jon Davis from APO, Alan Uomoto/JHU, and Larry Fiscelli/UC. Everyone liberally applied sunscreen to work out on the pier in a bright, almost cloudless, sky.

Everyone monitors the progress of the mosaic camera as it is lifted in the saddle to the underside of the mirror cell.

Note the good knee-work from Mike CArr!

Another view of the lift working.

Jim Gunn looks more relaxed than he really is. Those Princeton guys are really "hands-on"

The camera is up in place.

The lift is lowered from the camera.

The camera is in place under the mirror cell.

Meanwhile, Mark and Jon have been monitoring the wind gusts. Although the sky had only high cirrus, the gusty wind grew steady at about 25-30 mph. It was time to close.

The team assembles to turn the telescope to zenith. The weights have been adjusted and the telescope will be tilted manually.

The telescope is positioned at zenith and everyone is pleased with the balance.

The camera mounted on the telescope and in position for first light.