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| Table Mountain Observatory (TMO)
is JPL’s dedicated astronomical observing facility,
located at an altitude of 7,500 feet in the Angeles National Forest
near Wrightwood, CA. Programs at TMO include high precision
astrometric observations in support of NASA and international
spacecraft mission navigation, confirmation and recovery of
Near-Earth Objects (comets and asteroids) that pose a potential
impact hazard to the Earth, physical characterization of spacecraft
mission targets (planets, satellites, comets, and asteroids),
astronomical research into studies of the solar system and beyond,
and new technology testing for hardware developed at JPL. |
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The
TMO facility includes 0.6m and 0.4m astronomical telescopes
available to JPL users in support of their mission,
research, and technology tasks. Each telescope is
equipped with CCD cameras for imaging, photometry, and
astrometric studies. Users may also supply their own
instruments for use on the telescopes. Telescopes are
scheduled quarterly and targets of opportunity can usually
be accommodated on relatively short time scales. |
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Outreach |
TMO is part of the
Table
Mountain Facility, a secure site located about 75 miles from JPL
and 4 miles northwest of Wrightwood, off the Angeles Crest Highway. In
addition to optical astronomy, TMF supports numerous JPL programs in Earth
atmospheric studies and new technology development and testing.. The TMF site includes
bedrooms for overnight observers and a fully equipped kitchen for use
by observers.
TMO is operated with JPL internal
funds provided by the Science and Technology Management Council.
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