Design of the Discovery Channel Telescope mount

David T. Finley; Chuck Squires; Brad A. McCreight; Byron W. Smith; Tomas Chylek; Alexander Venetiou

doi:10.1117/12.790210

10 July 2008 Design of the Discovery Channel Telescope mount

David T. Finley, Chuck Squires, Brad A. McCreight, Byron W. Smith, Tomas Chylek, Alexander Venetiou

Proceedings Volume 7012, Ground-based and Airborne Telescopes II; 70124I (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.790210
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2008, Marseille, France

Abstract

The Discovery Channel Telescope is a 4.2-meter clear aperture telescope undertaken by the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona. It will feature an interchangeable secondary assembly to allow the use of either a prime focus instrument or a secondary mirror. In addition, it will have an active optical system and provisions for a wide range of instruments. This paper describes the design of the telescope mount and drive systems. Particular challenges associated with the design include: consideration for the weight of the 3500 lb Prime Focus Assembly (PFA) instrument; interchangeable secondary assemblies; and providing thermal and mechanical stability in between updates to maintain alignment between optical elements.

Citation Download Citation

David T. Finley, Chuck Squires, Brad A. McCreight, Byron W. Smith, Tomas Chylek, and Alexander Venetiou "Design of the Discovery Channel Telescope mount", Proc. SPIE 7012, Ground-based and Airborne Telescopes II, 70124I (10 July 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.790210

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