The Trek To The Top

Laird and Katie on the walk to Arcetri
Laird and Katie on the walk to Arcetri, with the only snow we've found in Florence.

Due to the always too short amount of time we get to spend with our instrument here, we work some long hours. Late at night and on weekends the front gate to Arcetri is closed, so we have to go around the back way. It is actually a nice walk, and we discovered the last remaining snow in Florence. In the picture you can see the top of the Solar Tower, where our adaptive secondary mirror is mounted. It is performing very well, and we are putting the last touches on the amazing automation that was developed here at Arcetri.