Accordingly, some years ago when the Observatory performed a minor miracle in getting the New Generation Telescope (NGT) constructed and operational they could not stretch the limited funds far enough to provide for an aluminising tank for the 2.3 metre mirror.
In consequence the annual aluminising has to be done with the existing aluminising tank in the base of the 3.9 metre telescope's dome.
Fortunately, staff ingenuity has devised a simple and effective way of accomplishing this feat, though of course with great care as the 2.3 metre mirror has to be transported about 200 metres downhill to the big dome.
The core of the operation is the assistance of the Siding Spring jogging club, members of which are always in a superb state of fitness from training for the annual Siding Spring to Australia Telescope fun run.
Once the 2.3 metre mirror has been lowered by block and tackle from its cell to the observatory floor, under the supervision of senior maintenance engineer Donner Blitzen, cut out segments of worn 4-Wheel Drive tyres are fitted around the edge and linked together with stainless steel shackles.
The joggers then lift the mirror vertically and, while wearing surgical gloves, roll it out the door on its side and down the road to the 3.9 metre dome and master aluminiser Lee Stevens.
The downhill run is theoretically easy but care must be taken to ensure that the mirror does not roll too fast and get out of control.
Moral support is provided by members of the Coonabarabran Astronomical Society, who run alongside and roll mirrors or blanks of their own, fitted of course with suitable segments of bicycle or motor bike tyres, such that the whole downhill progress becomes a stirring spectacle reminiscent of the “Running of the Bulls” at Pamplona, in Spain.
The added advantage of having Society members assisting the process is that additional person-power is on hand for the more arduous uphill return roll, which by necessity does not involve the smaller mirrors. For the return leg, the newly aluminised surface is carefully wrapped in glad wrap.