High-dispersion Echelle spectrograph designed at the Naval Research Laboratory to be flown on Aerobee sounding rockets in the late 1950s to observe the solar Lyman-alpha region. The instrument was stabilized in a servo-controlled cradle and locked onto the sun during the short rocket flight. The Lyman alpha emission line is found in spectra from high energy transitions of hydrogen atoms such as occur in the solar atmosphere. Its location in the ultraviolet region at 1216 angstroms means that it can only be observed from above the Earth's atmosphere.
Transferred from the Naval Research Laboratory in 1984.
Display Status
This object is on display in Rockets & Missiles at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
INSTRUMENTS-Scientific
Manufacturer
Naval Research Laboratory
Dimensions
3-D: 94 x 25.4 x 12.7cm (37 x 10 x 5 in.)
Materials
Metallic shell with optics and electronics
Glass optics
Inventory Number
A19840021000
Credit Line
Transferred from the Naval Research Laboratory
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.