OCR Text |
Show 1 " v ' t , SO t -C7r , x x ' ' ' 7 ' 1 A TECHNICIAN examines the optical quality of a 36-inch telescope mirror that will ascend, by balloon, this year to 80,000 feet above the earth. The project known as STRATOSCOPE II will examine planets and galaxies. The disk, manufactured by Corning Glass Works, is made of fused silica, one of the purest materials known to man. The purpose of sending the telescope up in a balloon is to get it above the earth's atmosphere which obscures clear visibility of celestial objects. STRATOSCOPE II is supported jointly by the National Science Foundation and the Office of Naval Research. |