Smithsonian Institution Archives

Records, 1966-1970

Summary

Collection ID:
SIA.FARU0262
Creators:
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Mt. Hopkins Department
Dates:
1966-1970
Languages:
English
Physical Description:
2.5 cu. ft. (5 document boxes)
Repository:
Smithsonian Institution Archives

Descriptive Entry

Descriptive Entry
These records document the early history of the Mt. Hopkins Observatory and concern site development, the construction of buildings, the development of astronomical instruments for use at Mt. Hopkins, and projects conducted by SAO and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration at the Observatory. The records include a contracts file, 1966-1970; a projects file, 1967-1970; administrative records, 1966-1970; and photographs and color slides of the Observatory, 1969.

Historical Note

Historical Note
In October 1965, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) Director Fred L. Whipple visited the southwestern United States for the purpose of choosing a site for a new branch observatory. The location selected was Mt. Hopkins in the Santa Rita Mountains of Arizona. Development of the site began in 1966, and the observatory was officially opened on October 23, 1968. Research activities at Mt. Hopkins included optical and laser satellite tracking for geodetic and geophysical studies, spectroscopic observation of both stellar and planetary bodies, and gamma-ray astronomy.
During 1965 and 1966, the Mt. Hopkins Observatory project was administered by the Office of the Director. Jack A. Coffey served as the first Project Administrator from December 1965 to December 1966 (except during March and April 1966 when Raymond Watts served in the position). In 1967, the newly created Programs Management Office assumed responsibility for Mt. Hopkins, with John J. Burke as chief administrative officer. In 1969, the Mt. Hopkins Department was established, with Ronald R. LaCount as Manager. Charles Tougas was appointed Field Manager of the Mt. Hopkins site in 1966. He was assisted by Werner Kirchhoff who served as Special Technical Advisor.

Administration

Author
Finding aid prepared by Smithsonian Institution Archives

Using the Collection

Prefered Citation
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 262, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Mt. Hopkins Department, Records

More Information

Notes

SI Records


Keywords

Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
Whipple, Fred L. (Fred Lawrence), 1906-2004 Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Watts, Raymond Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Coffey, Jack A. Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Burke, John J. Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
LaCount, Ronald R. Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Tougas, Charles Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Kirchhoff, Werner Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Mt. Hopkins Observatory Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Programs Management Office Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Artificial satellites -- Tracking Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Geodetic astronomy Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Geodesy Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Geophysics Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Spectrum analysis Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Gamma ray astronomy Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Astronomical observatories Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Astronomical instruments Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Astrophysical observatories Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Santa Rita Mountains (Ariz.) Place Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Manuscripts Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Black-and-white photographs Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Color transparencies Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid

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