FRAME AND MIRROR—The frame holding the mirror is massive, yet so delicately balanced that a man can swing it with a push of his hand.
KU'S BIG EYE-by Dean Evans
In 1929, William Pitt, of Kansas City, gave a 27-inch telescope mirror to the University. It was mounted and remained in use until 1944, when the structure in which it was located was torn down. The mirror was installed in new facilities atop Lindley hall. Although accessories are still being added, the powerful telescope is now in use.
TAKE A WALK?—The star cluster Hercules, made by a two-hour time exposure, is roughly 251 quadrillion, 778 trillion, 906 billion miles away. The light which we see today left there 35 thousand years ago.
THE MIRROR—Professor Horak's face appears somewhat startled, but its just his low-angle distortion in the big mirror.
AT THE CONTROLS—H. G. Horak, assistant professor of astronomy, operates the controls. They're so delicate that one person can keep the massive machinery perfectly aligned on a remote star during lengthy time exposures.
LOVER'S DELIGHT—CLOSE UP—Here's the moon during its half-phase. Astronomers do not usually take pictures of a full moon, since there are no shadows to show the landscape.