• From Sand to Stars: How Giant Telescope Mirrors Are Made

  • Apr 29 2025
  • Length: 32 mins
  • Podcast

From Sand to Stars: How Giant Telescope Mirrors Are Made

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  • What does it take to build the massive, ultra-precise mirrors that power today’s most powerful telescopes? 🛠️🪞 In this episode of AI: Astronomical Insight, we explore the fascinating journey of telescope mirrors—from raw silica to nanometer-accurate optical giants 🌌🔬.You’ll learn about:🧪 The evolution of glass as a material for astronomical optics🧊 Key properties of materials like Zerodur, ULE, and borosilicate glass⚙️ Traditional and modern fabrication techniques: spin casting, ion beam figuring, deflectometry🏗️ The engineering challenges behind large monolithic mirrors🌍 Case studies from the GMT and ELT projects🏭 The role of major players like the University of Arizona Mirror Lab, Schott, Corning, and Safran ReoscIf you're passionate about astronomical engineering, cutting-edge optics, or the future of space telescopes, this episode is for you! 🚀💡💬 Got questions or curious about something specific? Let us know in the comments!👇 Want a deep dive into optical testing methods or mirror segmentation? Say the word—we’re listening! 👂🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music & more!#Astronomy #Astrophysics #SciencePodcast #Telescopes #Optics #ReflectingTelescopes #MirrorFabrication #Zerodur #ULEglass #GMT #ELT #OpticalEngineering #SpinCasting #IonBeamFiguring #AI #mubert📖 References & Further Reading:H. M. Martin - Making mirrors for giant telescopes (2019)P. Dierickx - Optical Fabrication In The Large (1999)Raymond N. Wilson - Reflecting telescope optics II (2001)R. Müller et al. - Manufacture of the first primary mirror blank for the Very Large Telescope (VLT) (1994)Roland Geyl - From VLT to GTC and the ELTs (2005)Camille Frapolli at al. - Key challenges for the production of ELT M1 segments at Safran Reosc (2022)H. M. Martin et al. - Manufacture of 8.4 m segments for the GMT primary mirror (2020)Peter Hartmann et al. - Optical glass and glass ceramic historical aspects and recent developments: a Schott view (2010)🎶 Jingle from: ⁠Mubert Render⁠💰Support me here: ⁠PayPal⁠ ⁠Revolut
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