Savitzky started with Perkin-Elmer as a staff scientist who was chiefly concerned with the design and development of infrared instruments.

An infrared instrument will classify rock types from a distance.

The infrared instrument was initially cooled by a drum of solid nitrogen ice, but an accidental heat leak consumed the coolant.

To boost their sensitivity, the infrared instruments are cooled with liquid helium to within 2 degrees Celsius of absolute zero.

Already, the infrared instrument has provided some clues.

Without the helium, observations by the diffuse infrared instrument can continue at higher temperatures, though sensitivities will be reduced.

The "silvering" on infrared instruments is usually gold.

It entered Martian orbit in November 1971 and began photographing the surface and analyzing the atmosphere with its infrared and ultraviolet instruments.

An infrared instrument would benefit from the very cold temperatures.

Astronomers hope that observations with the Hubble's new infrared instruments, installed last February, will further clarify the thinking on this and other mysteries.