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Image © 1977, text © 2010, Australian Astronomical Observatory, photograph by David Malin.
At the edge of the spectacular Warrumbungle National Park in northwestern New South Wales stands the Siding Spring Observatory. Of all the telescopes operated on this mountain, the dome of the AAT is the most imposing, rising nearly 50 metres from the ground. The lower, cylindrical portion houses offices, darkrooms, small workshops and the many pieces of equipment required for the efficient operation of a large optical telescope and its complex instruments. The upper, rotating hemispherical portion is the dome itself, within which the telescope resides protected from the elements. When the telescope is in use a small opening in the dome is positioned directly in front of it.
Related Images
AAT 1. The Anglo-Australian Telescope
MISC 1. The dome of the Anglo-Australian Telescope at Siding Spring
MISC 2. The dome of the UK Schmidt Telescope.
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