HartRAO Home

HartRAO Home > news > Ring 6 of New Telescope Surface Nearly Complete 2002/10/15


Ring 6 of New Telescope Surface Nearly Complete 2002/10/15


The fifth ring of new, solid panels for the Hartebeesthoek radio telescope was completed early in 2002 (barring one panel with an access hatch requiring special construction).

This was followed in production by Ring 6, the penultimate ring. This ring contains the largest panels on the surface, and required extension of the "bed-of-bolts" used to form the rings.

The production process is described on the Telescope Surface Upgrade page.

The pictures shown below were taken during the installation of panels 13 10 16 in Ring 6 on 2002 October 15. Conrad Mahlase was the intrepid photographer.

ring6#0512

This general view from below shows that most of the main surface now comprises solid panels. Click on the picture for the full-size image.

ring6#0514

Pieter Stronkhorst working under the surface. The contrast between the old, perforated panels and the new solid panels is clear. Click on the picture for the full-size image - you may need to to spot Pieter.

ring6#0516

Andrew Masiteng works on the old panels that have been removed, while Jacques Grobler gets his breath back. Click on the picture for the full-size image.

ring6#0518

Pieter Stronkhorst on the left and Simon Morake on the right at work under the surface. Great view one has from up there! Click on the picture for the full-size image.

ring6#0520

View from the ground showing where Pieter and Simon are working... Anyone for bungee-jumping? Click on the picture for the full-size image.

ring6#0523

A closer look at Pieter and Simon, from the ground. Click on the picture for the full-size image.