ADS BibCode:
1976Msngr...6....1.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
By the end of July, the mechanical erection of the telescope was nearly completed. Three weeks earlier, the team of Creusot-Loire had installed the upper ring onto the Serrurier struts of the tube. The "machine" there by recuperated its proper appearance-it looks again like areal telescope.

ADS BibCode:
1976Msngr...6....2S
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Sherwood, W.A.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Astronomers trom the Max Planck Institute tor Radioastronomy (MPI) in Bonn, Fed. Rep. of Germany, have recently succeeded in measuring intrared (IR) radiation from OH radio sources (emission from the hydroxyl radical). Dr. W. A. Sherwood reports about the signiticant progress made in this exciting programme:

ADS BibCode:
1976Msngr...6....3R
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Rufener, F.
AA(Geneva Observatory)
Abstract:
Last year saw the installation of a Swiss telescope on La Silla and the arrival of the first observers. Here Dr. F. Rufener, of the Geneva Observatory, tells about the telescope and some of the observing programmes which are being carried out:

ADS BibCode:
1976Msngr...6....4.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Visiting Astronomers

ADS BibCode:
1976Msngr...6....5W
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Wilson, R.N.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
The ESO Optics Group was formed in March 1973. The need was already pressing at that time with many problems connected with the optical tolerancing and testing of the 3.6 m telescope requiring urgent attention. Also required was a major optical design effort on prime focus correctors and ancillary optics for the adapters (interface units between astronomer and telescope providing viewing, guiding, focusing and other facilities). The auxiliary instrumentation programme, then in its initial phases, also placed heavy demands-not only for optical design, but also on basic layout determined by the astronomical/optical interface.

ADS BibCode:
1976Msngr...6....9T
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Tammann, G.A.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
A new method to determine the distances of spiral galaxies has recently been proposed by R. B. Tully and J. R. Fisher (to be published in Astronomy and Astrophysics, 1976). Their method is remarkable for two reasons: (1) it uses a distanceindependent parameter which is measured at radio wavelengths (21 cm); so far radio astronomy has been slow in providing good distance determinations; and (2) the parameter correlates with the total optical luminosity of a spiral galaxy; up to now only few, if any, luminosity indicators, besides van den Bergh's luminosity classification, have been known for spiral galaxies.

ADS BibCode:
1976Msngr...6Q..10.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)

ADS BibCode:
1976Msngr...6R..10.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
The ESO Administration now in Munich

ADS BibCode:
1976Msngr...6...11.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Since the discovery on January 1,1801 of the first minor planet (asteroid), more than 2,000 have been observed and catalogued. They have once been called "the vermin of the sky" by a distinguished astronomer and not quite without reason. Most of them move in orbits of low inclination, i.e. close to the Ecliptic (the plane of the Earth's orbit around the Sun), and photographs of sky areas in the neighbourhood of the Ecliptic always show some of these minor planets. It goes without saying that the larger the telescope, the fainter are the planets that can be recorded and the larger are the number that may be seen on a plate.

ADS BibCode:
1976Msngr...6...12.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
A new and updated plan for the instrumentation of the 3.6 m telescope has been developed within ESO. The plan, which covers instrumentation developments for the period 1977-1980, was presented on May 12 by the Director-General to the Instrumentation Committee, which gave its unanimous support. The plan will be considered by Finance Committee and Council later this year.

ADS BibCode:
1976Msngr...6...13M
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Materne, J.
AA(Hamburg Observatory)
Abstract:
Why do galaxies cluster? Are these clusters stable over long periods or will they slowly disperse? Is there "hidden" mass in the galaxy clusters? These problems are central in current astronomical research, and the answers may tell us how the very young universe looked like, some 15,000-20,000 million years ago, Dr. Jürgen Materne from the Hamburg Observatory holds a fellowship with ESO's Scientific Group in Geneva. Here he teils what is being done at ESO in this important field of astronomical research:

ADS BibCode:
1976Msngr...6...14.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)

ADS BibCode:
1976Msngr...6...15R
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Richter, W.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Yes, you are right: these three chairs represent the latest in European modernity! ESO is proud to present, probably for the first time in the history of astronomy, the autumn 1976 fashion in astronomical furniture. But to avoid misunderstandings with the auditors, let us quickly affirm the great importance of these pieces of equipment for the safe performance of observational astronomy on La Silla. Briefly explained, since most human beings, astronomers included, unfortunately do not equal Tarzan in physical strength and agility, they must be firmly supported when taking a ride in the spacious Cassegrain cage of the ESO 3.6m telescope (at the 10wer end of the telescope tube). To solve this mainly anatomical problem, the braintrust of the ESO Mechanical Group in Geneva, headed by Mr. W. Richter, studied the suspension of astronomical bodies at various elevations and angles. We are happy to prove the survival of the courageous volunteers by publishing this report, which was compiled by Mr. Richter, after the successful termination of the experiments:

ADS BibCode:
1976Msngr...6Q..16.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)

ADS BibCode:
1976Msngr...6R..16.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)

ADS BibCode:
1976Msngr...6S..16.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
First Slides tram ESO Schmidt Telescope Available