The 6.5-m MMTO primary mirror was successfully re-aluminized September 27, 2005. After weeks of preparation and delays, all critical systems worked well and the optimum coating was deposited with only minor hitches. The coating is uniform and classical pure aluminum in all respects.
Removal of the vacuum head, with two cryogenic pumps and valves, following successful re-aluminizing of the MMTO 6.5-m primary mirror. Photo by Ken Van Horn (MMTO).