Re: ATM Hubble (was NOT "A fairly good mirror, I think")

[mjc5 <mjc5@psu.edu>]

Anthony Stillman wrote:

> It should also be noted that in addition to 30th wave zones and a half wave
> of spherical aberration, the orbited primary's outer four inches are
> painted black.   Yep, that's right, they turned the edge.  The continuation
> of this "flat" edge into the un-masked portion of the mirror is the source
> of the residual spherical aberration.(1)

	Was the Kodak mirror also turned? I recall reading it was "perfect", of
course, I'm skeptical when the word is used. But they knew they sent a
mirror with a major defect?

	I guess this is a point scored for the folks here who think we should
just make the mirror and mask the edge!

> Also, technically, this mirror was not manufactured by Perkin-Elmer.
> Perkin-Elmer incorporated a subsidiary to do the work.  Immediately
> following the shipment of the mirror (literally as it was leaving the
> loading dock) the company was de-incorporated.(1)

	Instills great confidence! ;^)

	- Mike -