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University of Wyoming. Wyoming Infrared Observatory records, 1976-2004

Overview of the Collection

Creator
University of Wyoming. Wyoming Infrared Observatory
Title
University of Wyoming. Wyoming Infrared Observatory records
Dates
1976-2004 (inclusive)
Website capture 2019-ongoing (inclusive)
Quantity
3.83 cubic ft. (5 boxes) + website material
Collection Number
545019
Summary
The collection contains logbooks, notes, archived website and other materials relating to the Wyoming Infrared Observatory.
Repository
American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
American Heritage Center
University of Wyoming
1000 E. University Ave.
Dept. 3924
Laramie, WY
82071
Telephone: 3077663756
ahcref@uwyo.edu
Access Restrictions
Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes, and the collection is open to the public.

Languages
English
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Historical Note

The Wyoming Infrared Observatory was founded in 1975 by University of Wyoming physics professors Robert Gehrz and John Hackwell. When the 2.3 meter infrared telescope was completed in 1977, it was the world's largest and was the first computer controlled telescope. The observatory attracted many undergraduates, graduate students, research assistants and post-doctorates due to its research potential. The observatory was located about twenty-five miles southwest of Laramie, Wyoming on the summit of Jelm Mountain.

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Content Description

The collection contains information relating to the daily operations of the Wyoming Infrared Observatory. Much of the collection is composed of logbooks with daily log entries, observations, and notes regarding temperature, wind speed, cloud cover, weather conditions, instruments used and comments on the workings of equipment. The collection also contains photographs, slides, operation manuals and various other materials relating to the observatory. In addition to these materials, the collection contains a segment from the television show "20/20" that provides a brief introduction to the development and purpose of the observatory. There is also an oral history by Bob Gehrz that elaborates on the observatory's founding and construction. This collection additionally includes archived websites affiliated with the Wyoming Infrared Observatory.

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Use

Copyright Information

The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.

Preferred Citation

Preferred Citation

Item Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Collection Name, Collection Number, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

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Administrative Information

Related Materials

Related Materials

There are no known other archival collections created by the University of Wyoming, Wyoming Infrared Observatory at the date of processing.

Acquisition Information

Acquisition Information

This material was received from Lilburn R. (Randy) Shaw and the University of Wyoming Department of Physics and Astronomy in February of 2011. New material was received from Lilburn R. (Randy) Shaw in 2012 and from E. Gerald Meyer in 2012. Website materials were captured by the University of Wyoming's University Archives from 2019-ongoing.

Processing Note

Processing Information

The collection was processed by Samantha Fawcett in October of 2011. The finding aid was updated and new material was added to the collection by Bianca Infante de la Cruz in November 2017. The finding aid was updated by Rachel Gattermeyer in May 2020.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

Container List

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Infrared astronomy.
  • Infrared telescopes.

Corporate Names

  • University of Wyoming.

Geographical Names

  • Wyoming -- History -- 1946-1999.
  • Wyoming -- History -- 2000-.-

Processed by Samantha Fawcett
2011

CC Attribution
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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