Toward first light for the 6.5-m MMT telescope - The MMT Observatory

FIGURE 5. The zenith-pointing 6.5-m mirror cell in the Steward mirror lab. Seen are most of the 200
static supports (they define the set of axial and lateral resting forces for the mirror when the active
support system is turned off) and the 1100+ ventilation air nozzles which squirt air into the interiors of
the mirror honeycombs and around the mirror periphery. The vacuum seal flange is visible near the ID
of the top of the trunnion ring.
FIGURE 6. An aerial view of the MMT building modifications. The shutters are lying on the ground,
and the slit is being enlarged. The telescope is cocooned with plastic tarp and a wooden top in order to
protect it from the modifications and the monsoons. Also seen is the storage location for the primary
mirror aluminizing chamber on the roof of the adjacent building. The modifications were completed in
October 1995.
the lead of the NTT, we also decided to have a 6-m high door put into the rear observing chamber wall in order to
improve air circulation and reduce the effects of local seeing. Although the amount of modification was significant, it
was far less expensive than simply replacing the entire rotating building which incorporates machine and electrical
shops, an elevator, and many other facilities.