A 2.5m astronomical telescope project

Oudomsanith Phaichith

doi:10.1117/12.790551

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25 July 2008 A 2.5m astronomical telescope project

Oudomsanith Phaichith

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Proceedings Volume 7018, Advanced Optical and Mechanical Technologies in Telescopes and Instrumentation; 70181J (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.790551
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2008, Marseille, France

Abstract

The paper reports a recently started project for a 2,5 meter diameter robotic telescope dedicated to astronomy and education for the University of Moscow's Sternberg Institute. As a prime contractor Sagem Defense Securite's REOSC department will take on the program design as well as the production of the optical components. The project includes the Alt-Az mount, the dome and its cooling and air stabilization system, the weather station, the high-resolution camera and realization, transport and installation on-site at the Kislovodsk solar station located in the Caucasus mountains as well as the initial training for the operators. The telescope will provide a wide field of view of 40 arcmin at the Cassegrain F/8 focus. An escapable and rotating tertiary mirror will allow to direct the light to the two Nasmyth foci and two student ports located at 90° from the Nasmyth foci. A 4k x 4k CCD camera cryogenically cooled to 140 K will be provided as a first light camera. All will be delivered by end 2009. Remotely controlled via the internet, the telescope will allow Russia to train doctors in astronomy, participate in international research projects and draw up the future specifications of a larger and more advanced telescope.

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Oudomsanith Phaichith "A 2.5m astronomical telescope project", Proc. SPIE 7018, Advanced Optical and Mechanical Technologies in Telescopes and Instrumentation, 70181J (25 July 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.790551

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