Interview with Gerry Neugebauer

Abstract

An interview in two sessions, July 1991, with Gerry Neugebauer, Robert Andrews Millikan Professor of Physics in the Division of Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy (PMA). Received his PhD in physics from Caltech (1960) and joined the faculty in 1962 as assistant professor. Lead scientist on IRAS (Infrared Astronomical Satellite), launched in 1983; director of Palomar Observatory 1980-1984; PMA division chair 1988-1993. Discusses his role in construction of Keck I, the first of W. M. Keck Observatory’s two 10-meter telescopes on Mauna Kea. Recalls his early interest in astronomy; switch to physics at Cornell; Army career working on Mariner program at Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Discusses his stint as Palomar director and its light problems; involvement, beginning in 1983, in planning for a 10-meter telescope with his former student Jerry Nelson and PMA division chair Edward C. Stone. Competing designs. Caltech’s decision to go with University of California, then expecting $36 million from Hoffman Foundation, as “junior partner.” Involvement of Keck Foundation; early notions of building a Keck telescope and a Hoffman telescope. Caltech becomes equal partner. Establishment of CARA (California Association for Research in Astronomy) to run the observatory. Comments on Mauna Kea site, conflict with UC over siting the headquarters: Waimea or Hilo. Selection of Waimea; Smart Trust. Discusses design and manufacture of the 36 mirror segments. Comments on difficulty working at telescope’s altitude; on partnership between UC, Caltech, and University of Hawaii. Continual drive in astronomy community for larger telescopes; adaptive optics. Itek’s problems with polishing the mirrors. Status of work on Keck II.