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Into Positionby Peter Tyson March 22, 1999 Update on obelisk raising: This photo tells it all at this stage. Late yesterday afternoon Rick and Wyle Brown succeeding in getting their wooden framework assembled on the obelisk. (In building the framework, they had to use existing pieces of southern yellow pine that were much larger than they required, which is why the framework appears much bulkier than it needs to be.) Today, the team slid the framework to the butt end of the obelisk and lashed it down. They also moved the obelisk into position, with its center of gravity positioned close to but still behind the giant pivot timber you see at the end of the ramp. As I left them late this afternoon, just after I took this photo, the Browns and Iolo Roberts were busy lashing the pivot timber to the obelisk. In the photo, you can also see the counterweight block in the lower right. Hanging off the end of the timber frame, this stone will help ease the amount of pulling on the ropes extending between the counterweight and this end of the timber framework. Notice also the pile of sand, which covers the pedestal. As the obelisk swings down into position, the sand will cushion its bottom end, aiding the team in easing the obelisk into the pedestal's turning groove. If all goes to plan, after months of preparation, we will attempt to raise the obelisk tomorrow. Bookmark this page! Peter Tyson is Online Producer of NOVA. Obelisk Raised! (September 12) In the Groove (September 1) The Third Attempt (August 27) Angle of Repose (March 25) A Tale of Two Obelisks (March 24) Rising Toward the Sun (March 23) Into Position (March 22) On an Anthill in Aswan (March 21) Ready to Go (March 20) Gifts of the River (March 19) By Camel to a Lost Obelisk (March 18) The Unfinished Obelisk (March 16) Pulling Together (March 14) Balloon Flight Over Ancient Thebes (March 12) The Queen Who Would Be King (March 10) Rock of Ages (March 8) The Solar Barque (March 6) Coughing Up an Obelisk (March 4) Explore Ancient Egypt | Raising the Obelisk | Meet the Team Dispatches | Pyramids | E-Mail | Resources Classroom Resources | Site Map | Mysteries of the Nile Home Editor's Picks | Previous Sites | Join Us/E-mail | TV/Web Schedule About NOVA | Teachers | Site Map | Shop | Jobs | Search | To print PBS Online | NOVA Online | WGBH © | Updated November 2000 |