History of MIRAC

History of MIRAC and versions

MIRAC - with Hughes 20x64 CTIA array

1989 - MIRAC design completed and construction started
1990 - Construction of dewar and controller board completed
1990 Dec 6 - First light at telescope, 61-inch at Mt. Bigelow
1991 Feb, April - more runs at the 61-inch
1991 June, Sept., Nov. - Steward 90-inch observing
1992 June - first IRTF observing run
1993 Oct. - first UKIRT observing run

MIRAC2 - with Rockwell 128x128 array

1994 June - first light with new array at IRTF
1994 July - August - MIRAC part of IRTF Comet Shoemaker-Levy Collision campaign

MIRAC3 - with upgraded dewar

1997 - first run with new dewar at IRTF
1998 January - MIRAC3 used on original MMT for null interferometry
2000 June - MIRAC3/BLINC used on new MMT for the first time
2001 July - MIRAC3/BLINC used on Magellan for the first time
2006 - MIRAC3 decommissioned, new instrument MIRAC4 in use at the MMT

Links:

To the MIRAC Home Page

Last modified: 2007 May 18