New telescope at Palomar

The first major addition to Mount Palomar since the 200-inch telescope was completed in 1948 is a 60-inch telescope, which was dedicated in October. A Raytheon 703 computer controls operation and acquires data. An unusual optical system of six mirrors and a corrector lens enables the telescope to combine the maneuverability advantages of a short tube (154 inches) and the higher magnifications possible with a long focal length of 1800 inches (at the coudé focus) or 525 inches (at the Cassegrain focus). The telescope, built largely in the Cal Tech shops, cost more than $1 million; funds came from NSF, the family of the late Oscar G. Mayer, NASA, Cal Tech and the Carnegie Institution.