SDSS-IV MaNGA Survey
Unlike previous SDSS surveys which obtained spectra only at the centers of target galaxies, MaNGA obtained spectral measurements across the face of ~10,000 nearby galaxies thanks to 17 simultaneous Integral Field Units (IFUs), each composed of tightly-packed arrays of optical fibers. These fibers plug hundreds holes drilled into round aluminum plates.
While I was at the 223rd AAS Meeting in Seattle, the University of Washington was nearby, and they happen to be an Affiliate Institution of the SDSS project. Therefore, they had a surplus of decomissioned aluminum plates available to conference attendees, all we had to do was FedEx it back home!
So, I took my SDSS aluminum plate with finely drilled holes to Kessler's Clock Co., a local clock-shop in Wisconsin, and turned an artifact from my first research project into something I can display for a lifetime! Check it out
You can learn more about the SDSS-IV MaNGA survey by visiting their website here..
Resources
Here are links to helpful information related to our research efforts.