Journal
Day 1: On day 1 our group did a lot of things. The first thing we did was to glue together two scintillation plates with some epoxy that we made ourselves. We also set out the parts to the telescope, and then assembled the base. Gluing the scintillation plates together was a little difficult because the plates are very fragile, and they can warp quit easily.
Day 2: Work picked up a lot on day 2. First we checked our plates to make sure that they were glued properly. Then after we checked the plates we epoxied on the ends of them some PMTs (photo magnetic tubes). There was a plate that was already completely glued together, so with that one we light tighted it. This is wrapping it with black plastic, mylar, and light tight tape to make sure that no light can enter. We also continued with the assembly of the telescope, getting about to the middle of the structure.
Day 3: Day 3 was a very successful day because we got a lot of things done. First, we took the two scintillation plates that were completely glued and we light tighted them. We tested the plates with a flashlight to make that they were light tight. Then we finished assembling the telescope. Which I would like to add was very fun.
Day 4: Day 4 was not near as fun as the days before because there was a lot of hard work involved. On this day we had to mount the plates onto the telescope. This got complicated quickly because the telescope was assembled correctly, but the weight of the plates led to some modifications that we hadn't planned on. We had to change the telescope to help deal with the plates' center of gravity. We also ran out of parts so we were only able to get telescope complete.
Day 5: On the last day we, the mechanical group, didn't have a whole lot do because we basically finished on day 4. Now whether that was due to the greatness of the mechanical group is unknown, but I think that is reason (LOL). The last thing we did was to give a group report on our subject. For the most part I had a good time this week, it brought me back to the time when I was a kid and played with legos. I learned more in this single week than I ever have in my life in one week. I think unfortunately it was too much to learn in a short amount of time. However, I am not worried about not catching all the information because I know that I will see it again in the near future.
Goodbye