Magellan telescopes - Time lapse re-coating the Baade mirror

In January 2015, the (256-in) main mirror of the Baade telescope was re-aluminized, a 5-day process requiring 12 people. The mirror was first washed and then the old aluminum was removed by using an acid solution. The surface was then washed again before the mirror was moved to the chamber for the actual coating. This is a time-lapse of the process, made by Francesco Di Mille, Technical Operations Manager at Carnegie’s Las Campanas Observatory. The Baade and Clay telescopes form the twin Magellan tele