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The Hector J. Robinson Observatory is an astronomical observatory in Lincoln Park, Michigan. It houses a Celestron SCT. It went back into operation in September 2009. First light ceremonies happened in early September. ==History== In 1961, after Hector Robinson's science classes had built several small telescopes, the idea arose to construct a much larger instrument, which, when completed, would prove to be among the largest and finest available to pre-college students anywhere. The project would be one of the most lengthy and difficult ever undertaken by area students, but the students were enthusiastic and looked forward to each phase of the project, despite the hours of work and planning involved. Word of the operation spread, and soon there were enough donations from students, teachers and many others to purchase two large pieces of Pyrex glass (the mirror blank and the tool), each thick and weighing . Many crews of students worked to grind the mirror with various grades of carborundum, and tested and polished it to achieve just the right parabolic curve for a good mirror. After being coated with reflective aluminum, the mirror was finally finished, but the work was only beginning. Under Robinson's guidance, the students obtained a tube, in diameter, which, after being painted black inside and out, held the completed mirror at one end. A "spider" with its diagonal mirror, and a rack-and-pinion focusing device with eyepiece were then purchased and assembled. With the addition of a cradle and equatorial mount, the telescope was now complete. But this instrument did not become the heart of a real observatory until 1964, when the Board of Education authorized the construction of a suitable building. Before this, the telescope was stored on end in Robinson's science classroom, and on clear evenings, it was carefully carried outside and mounted on a stand. The footings for the observatory were poured in early 1964. A cement block cylindrical wall, in diameter and high with a central piling was erected. The whole structure was then topped off with a rotating metal dome and retractable shutter. This most lengthy and difficult project was now completed. There followed two exciting and productive years with the observatory in full use limited only by the weather. Portable telescopes were frequently massed around the observatory for large group showings of the moon, planets, and galaxies. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Hector J. Robinson Observatory」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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