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Mount Wilson Observatory, 100 inch Reflector, Mt. Wilson,
1917, United States,
Handwriting on the back,
Vintage silver print, Very Good,
Not mounted,
18 (19,6) X 15,1 (15,9) cm
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The Hooker 100-inch telescope is named after John D. Hooker, who provided the funds for the giant mirror. It was the largest telescope in the world from 1917 to 1948. Many great discoveries were made with the 100-inch telescope, including Edwin Hubble's landmark work on the expansion of the Universe and the establishment of the cosmic distance scale. The first optical interferometer ever used for astronomical research was used on the 100-inch telescope to measure the sizes of distant stars for the first time in 1919.
In the beginning E. E. Barnard wasn’t a great fan of reflectors. He didn’t believe that reflectors could have any scientific importance. Only at the end of his life he understood the importance and the advantages of reflectors.
Photo ID: 5657
