Astronomy is one of the oldest fundamental sciences.  It continues to make a profound impact on our culture and is a powerful expression of the human intellect.  Huge progress has been made in the last few decades.  One hundred years ago we barely knew of the existence of our own Milky Way.  Today we know that many billions of galaxies make up our universe and that it originated approximately 13.7 billion years ago.  Today, the Steward Observatory Mirror Lab is producing the largest and most advanced giant telescope mirrors in the world.  

This 90-minute tour provides a unique opportunity to learn how innovative engineering and optical technology melds with manufacturing techniques to produce the largest and most advanced giant (8.4 meters/27 ft)  telescope mirrors in the world on the University of Arizona campus.  Visitors will see the unparalleled technology and revolutionary processes involved in making the next generation of telescopes that will explore deep into outer space and produce cutting-edge scientific research.  The University of Arizona’s College of Science is ranked #1 among observational, theoretical, and space astronomy programs in the U.S.  Come see why!  These new generation giant optical telescopes will be changing the way we explore the universe, allowing astronomers to break the boundaries of astronomy and the universe, peering back to the beginning of time in an effort to answer a vast array of astronomical questions and make new discoveries.  

Tour Date: Friday, March 18, 2016

Start Time: 10:00 AM
                 
Participants: Invite your friends!  
The Club needs a final headcount and list of participant names by Tuesday, March 11, 2016.

Cost: $18

RSVP: Reply to club member Silvio Cardero at  scardero@comcast.net by March 11

Payment: Due Tuesday, March 15, 2016
 
Directions: The Mirror Lab is located on the eastside of the UA Football Stadium.  The address is 527  National Championship Drive, which can be accessed by
– Speedway to Cherry Ave, turn south on Cherry Ave, proceed to parking garage on left (eastside) or
– Campbell Ave south to Sixth street, turn right (west), turn right (north) at National Championship Drive.  Parking garage is straight ahead beyond stop sign.
 
Parking: The closest parking is Cherry Avenue Garage, which is located south of Speedway on Cherry Avenue at the intersection in front of the UA football stadium.  All parking on the UA campus is self-pay.  The parking lot in front of the mirror lab is UA permit parking only.  It is the responsibility of the participants to locate parking on campus.  Please see map website link  http://mirrorlab.as.arizona.edu/contact/maps
 
Tour Information: The Steward Observatory Mirror Lab is an active industrial facility.  We ask that everyone be considerate of the scientists and engineers working in the offices being passed during the tour by keeping voices low and discussions to a minimum.   While extensive safety precautions have been taken to reduce the potential for accidents, guests are required to be aware of their surroundings at all times.  There are equipment components which can cause trip hazards.
 
• Please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.
• Please use the restroom prior to the start of the tour.
• Everyone MUST wear close-toed shoes (NO sandals).
• NO backpacks or large carrying bags are permitted on the tour.
• Cameras/photographs are permitted during the tour.
• This is a walking tour and does involve climbing and descending stairs as well as, standing for periods of time.  Flat rubber soled closed toed shoes are the best.
               
We plan to convene at a near-by restaurant after the tour for lunch (optional).