TMCnet News
Corning Delivers Mirror Blanks for the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System PS-1 Telescope; Telescope to Be Used in Astronomical Survey System That Will Search for Potentially Earth-Impacting AsteroidsCORNING, N.Y. --(Business Wire)-- April 13, 2005 -- Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW) announced today the delivery of a 1.8 meter ULE (R) mirror blank to the Pan-STARRS project being coordinated by the University of Hawaii's Institute for Astronomy (IFA). The IFA is leading the effort to design and implement an astronomical survey system to search for potential earth-impacting asteroids and comets. The United States Air Force Research Laboratory provides funding for this project. The mirror blank will serve as the primary mirror for the Pan-STARRS PS-1 telescope. The PS-1 telescope will function as the pathfinder for the primary telescope system Pan-STARRS, which will require up to four telescopes with 1.8 meter aperture assembled into an array. These telescopes will have a giant field of view which will allow them, in a single exposure, to image an area 30-40 times that of the full moon. The ability of the system to rapidly survey large areas of the sky makes it particularly powerful for detecting objects such as supernovae and earth-threatening asteroids. The data provided by Pan-STARRS will be used to address many scientific questions, ranging from the origin of the Solar System to the properties of the Universe. Jim Steiner, senior vice president and general manager, Corning Specialty Materials said, "We are excited to have the opportunity to provide the University of Hawaii with our ULE(R) material. It is also an honor to be a participant in scientific discoveries and observations that may impact our world." Corning Semiconductor Optics (www.corning.com/semiconductoroptics) is a leading supplier of glass materials, surfaces, and light management applications. Telescope mirror applications, whether earth-bound or in space, require materials that can perform to the stringent standards of astronomic research. Corning has developed sophisticated weight reduction technologies that make it possible for telescopes to be extremely lightweight yet extremely precise. Corning has drawn upon its glass and process expertise to produce materials with unprecedented precision, homogeneity, and ability to withstand extreme thermal fluctuations. About Corning Incorporated Corning Incorporated (www.corning.com) is a diversified technology company that concentrates its efforts on high-impact growth opportunities. Corning combines its expertise in specialty glass, ceramic materials, polymers and the manipulation of the properties of light, with strong process and manufacturing capabilities to develop, engineer and commercialize significant innovative products for the telecommunications, flat panel display, environmental, semiconductor, and life sciences industries. |
