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The VATT has pioneered the new
technology of creating large, lightweight, stable mirrors in a rotating
furnace (see picture to right). With the VATT we are pursuing long-term
research programs which, although they were the hallmark of research at
Castel Gandolfo, we have never been able to carry out before in Tucson.
Thus from its two centers, located at Castel Gandolfo and at Tucson, the Observatory is continuing various
current studies and international collaborations.
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As translated by Dr. Martin McCarthy, S.J., the dedication plaque of
the VATT reads:
This new tower for studying the stars has been erected during the XV year of
the reign of John Paul II on this peaceful site so fit for such studies,
and it has been equipped with a new large mirror for detecting the
faintest glimmers of light from distant objects. May whoever searches here
night and day the far reaches of space use it joyfully with the help of
God. |
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The library at Castel Gandolfo contains more than 22,000 volumes and
possesses a valuable collection of rare antique books including works of
Copernicus, Galileo, Newton, Kepler, Brahe, Clavius, and Secchi. In
addition there is a unique meteorite collection from which a knowledge of
the early history of the solar system is being derived. Research results
are published in international journals. The Annual
Report is distributed to more than 400 institutes around the world. |
 |        
|
The VATT has pioneered the new
technology of creating large, lightweight, stable mirrors in a rotating
furnace (see picture to right). With the VATT we are pursuing long-term
research programs which, although they were the hallmark of research at
Castel Gandolfo, we have never been able to carry out before in Tucson.
Thus from its two centers, located at Castel Gandolfo and at Tucson, the Observatory is continuing various
current studies and international collaborations. 
