Cleaning the 200-inch Telescope

If you have checked the Hale Telescope Web Camera in the last few days you may have seen the 200-inch pointed to the extreme north, as it is here in this view from yesterday morning:


This is being done so that the support structure of the telescope can be washed.



It is a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it.

Having the telescope pointed to the extreme northeast, as it is for these shots, certainly gives some unique photo opportunities. Wouldn't you agree?


The work is continuing for a while yet and is not a disruption to nighttime work. Last night, for instance, the telescope saw a full 10 hours of use.