The 20" Telescope Renovation
The UMD Astronomy Observatory Remains Closed
Fall 2024 Update: The UMD Astronomy Observatory remains closed to all public outreach activities.
The 20" telescope was removed from the Observatory in June 2000. Over the next year, Company 7 of Laurel, MD, cleaned the mirrors, rebuilt the drives, installed a computerized go-to system, and other system upgrades. Below is a visual record of the process.
 The old 20" in its home position |
 Another view of the 20" before its renovation (note the grey and blue paint). You can also just see Dr. Veilleux behind the left finder scope. |
 The 20" lifts off! |
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 20" mid-air |
 The 20" is loaded onto the back of a truck for transport to Company 7 |
|  After a tour of the greater DC Area, the telescope returns to the Observatory |
 Getting the 20" ready for lift off. |
 And we have lift off..... |
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|  Marty Cohen of Company 7 and John of Optical Guidance Systems begin reconnecting vital telescope components. |
 Marty and Observatory Coordinator Gretchen Walker unwrap the telescope and prepare to fire it up. |
 Some of the brand new drive gearing machined as part of the renovations. |
These images were taken with our 20" telescope and a Photometrics CCD system before the 2000-2001 renovation.
 Jupiter |
 Saturn |
 Petav Crater on the Moon |
 M 15 - A Globular Cluster in the Constellation of Pegasus |
 M 42 - The Orion Nebula A star forming region in Orion |
 M 57 - The Ring Nebula Planetary Nebula in the Constellation of Lyra |