He used his director's discretionary time on the telescope in joining the investigation.

Late tonight, the trouble was traced to an electronics box on the telescope.

Solar panels on the telescope would provide additional power, allowing an extended mission of 21-28 days.

"I'll feel better when it gets on the telescope and we actually start getting some images."

Most of the data processing on the telescope is done by conventional single board computers.

Work on the 40-foot telescope was also supported by a grant from the king.

During the day, sidewalk astronomy often includes use of a solar filter on the telescope to allow people to view the sun.

Private sessions on the telescope are available for $35 an hour a person.

The panel's final report on the telescope is to be made public on Tuesday.

The amount spent on the telescope itself - say £10 million - is only a minor part of the total expense!