This 12-inch telescope is one of four full-scale engineering models or prototypes for the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory's Project Celescope. Celescope was a project in the 1960s to survey the ultraviolet sky at wavelengths invisible from the ground. Each of Celescope's reflecting telescopes was equipped with a special Uvicon television tube sensitive to ultraviolet light, set behind different filters. The signal from each telescope was telemetered back to a ground station where it was used to construct a photometric map of ultraviolet sources in the sky. The telescope system was flown on December 7, 1968 as part of Orbiting Astronomical Satellite. The data from Celescope resulted in a catalog of over 5,000 ultraviolet colors for stars.
The telescope was transferred to NASM as part of a suite from SAO in 1973 .
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
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Dimensions
Storage (Rehoused on Aluminum Pallet with one other object): 121.9 × 121.9 × 121.9cm, 106.1kg (48 × 48 × 48 in., 234lb.)
Materials
Aluminum, Plastic, Glass, Rubber (Silicone), Stainless Steel, Steel, Stainless Fabric, Nylon
Inventory Number
A19731428000
Credit Line
Transfer from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.