HEAO 2

On behalf of the Scientific Consortium, R. Giacconi informs us that the Einstein ObservatorY (HEAO 2) was successfully launched on Nov. 13d05h24m UT. The orbit is circular and nominal: Incl. = 23o.5, P = 95 min, altitude = 535 km. All instrumentation has been activated, and backgrounds and performance are nominal. The spacecraft is pointing and maneuvering well. Only the high-resolution imager (HRI) has been at the telescope focus. Bright sources have been observed, and the images are as expected. Observatory activation will take two months: each instrument will be at the focus for two weeks. The planned observing program, including Guest Observations, is expected to start during the first week of 1979 Jan. Details concerning the instruments and the observing program can be obtained by writing to F. Seward at the address: Center for Astrophysics, 60 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, U.S.A.