The feasibility of replacing the U.S. Naval Observatory's 61-inch astrometric reflector with a 3.5 m telescope

Michael DiVittorio; Gordon Pentland; Kevin Harris

doi:10.1117/12.673064

26 June 2006 The feasibility of replacing the U.S. Naval Observatory's 61-inch astrometric reflector with a 3.5 m telescope

Michael DiVittorio, Gordon Pentland, Kevin Harris

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 6267, Ground-based and Airborne Telescopes; 62673I (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.673064
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2006, Orlando, Florida , United States

Abstract

The USNO 61" (1.55 m) astrometric reflector was state-of-the-art when it entered service in 1964. However, with a relatively small aperture, it now has limited research capability because it can not observe faint objects. The current facility, including dome and pier, offers significant resources upon which to build a larger telescope. Preliminary estimates indicate that a 3.5 m telescope could be retrofitted into the dome at a cost of ~$10-15 million; about half the cost of building on a new site. USNO has contracted with an engineering firm to perform a feasibility study of such a telescope upgrade, the results of which are summarized.

Citation Download Citation

Michael DiVittorio, Gordon Pentland, and Kevin Harris "The feasibility of replacing the U.S. Naval Observatory's 61-inch astrometric reflector with a 3.5 m telescope", Proc. SPIE 6267, Ground-based and Airborne Telescopes, 62673I (26 June 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.673064

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available