From: "Dave McCarter" 
To: "Ray Desmarais" ,
        "ATM" 
Reply-To: "Dave McCarter" 


> It's .9 inch thick
> Sometimes we need to try crazy things to see what we can get away
with.
> I must be crazy to try these things

I enjoyed the photo tour of the observatory, and particularly the images of
the mounting scheme for the mirror. While the supports were somewhat
blocked by people and their cameras standing in front, it appeared that
there were six silicone attachments on a large circle maybe a foot across
which was mounted to a hinge bearing on the end of an equalizing arm, and
it makes sense to me that there would be six of these support wheels on the
ends of three arms. Do I have it right?

It also seems amazing to me that the building and all the work that entails
would be built before tests of the telescope structure would prove the
effort worthwhile. Would you elaborate upon the proof of concept testing
that was done prior to the full out commitment?

Dave

--- BBBS/NT v4.00 MP