November 20, 1998

Contact: Timothy McKernan, (619) 594-2588

 

Next generation of NASA space exploration instruments to be tested at SDSU’s Mt. Laguna Observatory

WHAT: Official announcement of a partnership between San Diego State University and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to test the new generation of space exploration instruments, including some for the Hubble Space Telescope.

WHEN: 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 24

WHERE: International Student Center, 55th St. and Aztec Circle Drive Free parking is available in front of the center.

BACKGROUND: In exchange for 10 percent of the viewing time (36 nights a year) on the planned 100-inch telescope at the observatory, SDSU astronomers will have continued use of the multi-million-dollar equipment prototypes at the observatory, opening up a whole new range of research opportunities for faculty, students, and visiting scientists. Already widely recognized as one of the finest viewing sites in the nation, the partnership will make Mt. Laguna one of the premier observatories on the world.

 

Dr. Joe Dolan of the NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center and Dr. Ron Angione, director of Mt. Laguna Observatory, will be available for comment.