This is the upper optical frame for the original camera used on the Hale 200-inch telescope at the Cassegrain focus to proof test the split field concept design for the Wide Field/Planetary camera of the Hubble Space Telescope. The NASM collection holds the complete, working camera including split field optics and 2 of the original 4 CCD camera units. (Catalogue#'s 19990211000 through 19990211009), that were used programmatically on the 200-inch for many years and featured in Richard Preston's "First Light" as a galaxy and quasar finder. The 4-shooter was donated by the California Institute of Technology in September 1999. It is now stored at the Garber facility.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
INSTRUMENTS-Scientific
Manufacturer
California Institute of Technology, Palomar Observatory
Dimensions
3-D: 38.1 x 78.7cm (15 x 31 in.)
Storage (Aluminum frame and pallet with fabric dust cover): 123.2 × 124.5 × 119.4cm, 241.3kg (48 1/2 × 49 × 47 in., 532lb.)
Materials
Steel, Aluminum, Glass, Gold Plating, Plastic, Copper, Foam, Cadmium Plating, Adhesive, Rubber (Silicone), Teflon
Inventory Number
A19990211005
Credit Line
Gift of the Palomar Observatory, California Institute of Technology.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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