Begin of the restoration works 2003

Telescope Restoration

The restoration of the telescope began in April 2003 with work carried out by 4H-Jena engineering to ensure the dome rotation and aperture opening mechanisms were fully functional. The work carried out in May included the dismantling of the telescope tube, the objective lenses, the cross-axis mechanism and the two upper segments of the column, as well as the transport of these parts to Jena. A thorough assessment of their condition was completed in late autumn 2003. At the same time, the restoration of the components required for the subsequent implementation of the mechanical and electrical dome movement was completed, as was the optical laboratory testing of the two objective lenses.

The entire project, which was completed in 2006 with the restoration of the telescope to working order, was carried out on the basis of the expert report and work plan drawn up by 4H-Jena engineering in autumn 2002.

Photos from the removal of the Great Refractor on 8th May 2003:

More images are available in our Image gallery.