NSSDCA ID: 1973-027A-15
Mission Name: SkylabThe objective of the experiment was to obtain high-resolution photographs of the sun in the H-alpha line of the Balmer series (6562.8 A). The H-alpha telescopes were the most useful devices for showing the crew member the precise pointing position of the ATM instruments relative to features on the solar disk and for recording this position. Not only did this provide backup capability, it also made possible viewing at the same time a highly magnified image of a small part of the sun and an image of the entire sun. The control and display panel was equipped with two identical monitors of 6-in. diameter. A spectral resolution of 0.7 A was provided by means of Fabry-Perot type filters. The optical telescopic system was arranged with a zoom-type lens so that either telescope could be used at low magnification or at high magnification where it was possible to resolve 1-2 arc-s. Photographs were taken using a camera mounted at the second image plane of the telescope. The field of view of the camera was 35 arc-min. The zoom ratio was 3.6 to 1. The camera could be operated either automatically or manually. In the automatic mode, photographs were taken at 1, 2, or 4 frames per minute. In the manual mode, only one frame was exposed per command A system was worked out so that the H-alpha telescope could be used to determine the degree of coalignment between S055 and S082B. This made it possible for the H-alpha telescope to record the precise position of pointing of S082B and S055, by using a mechanically movable reticle system placed in the field of view.
Questions and comments about this experiment can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office
Name | Role | Original Affiliation | |
---|---|---|---|
Dr. Edmond M. Reeves | Other Investigator | NASA Headquarters | |
Dr. Robert W. Noyes | Principal Investigator | Harvard College Observatory | rnoyes@cfa.harvard.edu |