Giant Magellan Telescope Mirror 2 (GMT2)

September, 2012  the Giant Magellen Telescope Mirror 2 (GMT2) has completed the process of cleaning out the 1700 hexagonal columns made of special refractory material, which create the final honeycomb shape. This material can withstand high oven temperatures sustained during the months-long spin casting process developed at the mirror lab.  The casting team then dons wet suits and proceeds to washed away the cores with a high pressure water hose.  After inspecting each core opening the mirror will then be ready for rough grinding on the back surface of the mirror.