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WIYN Telescope Dedicated! (1Dec94)
(from NOAO HIGHLIGHTS!, NOAO Newsletter No. 40, 1 December 1994)

The new 3.5-m WIYN Telescope on Kitt Peak was dedicated on 15 October.
The project was completed in a remarkably short time--only eight years
since the KPNO staff first began conceptual development of a new telescope
and only four years after the WIYN agreement was signed by Wisconsin,
Indiana, Yale, and NOAO. Completion of the WIYN telescope on schedule
and within budget is a tribute to Matt Johns, WIYN Project Manager, and to
all of the many individuals who worked on the project.

The event was witnessed by nearly 400 hardy souls who braved cold, wind,
and rain to participate in this historic event. Guests included representatives
from all of the WIYN institutions, the contractors who assisted in the
construction of the new observatory, NOAO employees, and special guests,
including Congressmember Jim Kolbe from Arizona's 5th Congressional
District.

                          [Figures not included]

                          [Figure not included]

        Guests admire the WIYN primary mirror active supports.

                           [Figure not included]

        Sam Barden demonstrates the Hydra Fiber Positioner on WIYN.

Months of planning for the dedication were tossed to the winds (literally)
when, early in the morning of the Dedication, the tents which had been
erected to house the celebration were blown down by 100 mph winds. Bruce
Bohannan, Pat Patterson, and the KPNO mountain staff quickly mobilized to
find alternate arrangements, and by the time the crowd began to arrive, new
plans were well in hand.

Vans were provided to shuttle guests from the Visitor Center and parking lot
to the WIYN Telescope. Extra tables and chairs were set up in the Dining
Room and the TV room, and the caterers, who provided an excellent
Mexican buffet, set up in the entry hall. Even the Mariachi Saldivar, who
provided musical entertainment, found a spot in the relative warmth of the
Dining Hall.

The Dedication itself was moved to the newly remodeled Kitt Peak Visitor
Center. The ceremony was conducted by Blair Savage (Wisconsin),
President of the WIYN Consortium. Speakers included Congressmember
Kolbe, Sidney Wolff (NOAO), Gus Oemler (Yale), Kent Honeycutt
(Indiana), Caty Pilachowski (KPNO), and Matt Johns. Each institution had
an opportunity to cut a portion of the Dedication Ribbon. The ceremony
concluded with a blessing by Tohono O'odham Medicine Man William
Antone. Following the ceremony, guests had an opportunity to view the
new WIYN observatory and to enjoy a delicious Mexican supper. Plans for
evening observing were cancelled due to the weather.

It is not often that we have the opportunity to dedicate a major new facility
like the WIYN telescope. Despite the weather, the event was thoroughly
enjoyed by all and will be remembered for a long time. If you have occasion
to visit Kitt Peak in the near future, please take the opportunity to visit our
newest telescope!

                            [Figures not included]

        The Dedication begins in the Visitor Center. WIYN Board President
        Blair Savage starts it off.

                            [Figures not included]

        Project Manager Matt Johns cuts the ribbon. Guests tour the new
        WIYN Observatory.

                            [Figure not included]

        The WIYN control room was part of the tour.

                            [Figure not included]

        High winds forced a sudden change in plans!

Caty Pilachowski for the KPNO Staff

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