60-inch Aluminizing, part II

The second day of the project began as the mirror was carefully lifted onto a truck, covered and then driven slowly (5 mph) to the dome of the 200-inch telescope.Once the mirror is safely inside the real work begins.

First the reflectivity of the mirror's old coating is tested. Then it is time to break out the tools of the trade. Soap, water, buckets, and sea sponge.More on the technique later - I've got to go and take photos of today's action. Day 2 will get finished in a later post.