Siding Spring 2.3 m Telescope
 The 2.3m telescope (background) behind the SkyMapper telescope | |
| Alternative names |
Advanced Technology Telescope  |
|---|---|
| Observatory |
Siding Spring Observatory |
| Location(s) |
New South Wales, Australia |
| Coordinates |
31°16′18″S 149°03′43″E / 31.2717°S 149.062°ECoordinates: 31°16′18″S 149°03′43″E / 31.2717°S 149.062°E |
| Organization |
Australian National University |
| Altitude |
1,165 m (3,822 ft) |
| Built |
–1980s |
| Telescope style |
Optical telescope |
| Diameter |
2.3 m (7 ft 7 in) |
| Secondary diameter |
0.3 m (1 ft 0 in) |
| Focal length |
4,715 mm (15 ft 5.6 in) |
| Mounting |
Altazimuth mount |
| Website |
rsaa |
  Location of Siding Spring 2.3 m Telescope | |
The 2.3 metre telescope at Siding Spring Observatory is operated by the Australian National University. The Advanced Technology Telescope was constructed during the early 1980s and featured at-the-time radical features: an unusually thin mirror, an alt-az mount and co-rotating dome.[1] The optical telescope has Altazimuth mount and a primary mirror with a focal length of f/2.05.[1] It is housed in a box-shaped building which rotates as the telescope tracks objects.
Instrumentation includes an integral field spectrograph known as WiFeS, an echelle spectrograph, and a Nasmyth imager. The telescope is a workhorse for numerous large programs where it is used to do follow-up observations on objects of interest before more extensive observations are made at larger telescopes. It is also a valuable tool for training students in the astronomical observing techniques.
History
The telescope was the initiative of Don Mathewson. It was inaugurated Prime Minister, Bob Hawke on 16 May 1984.[2] It was regarded as an achievement in high technology for Australia. In 1985, it won an award from the Institution of Engineers.[2]
Mirror
The mirror used in the telescope is much thinner than those typically used in a telescope mirror. Its ratio of diameter to thickness is about 20:1.[2] The light mirror and rotating design allows the telescope to be rapidly moved as observations are made.
See also
References
- 1 2 "ANU 2.3m Telescope". ANU College of Physical & Mathematical Sciences. The Australian National University. Retrieved 15 April 2013.
- 1 2 3 Haynes, Raymond (1996). Explorers of the Southern Sky: A History of Australian Astronomy. Cambridge University Press. pp. 184–185. ISBN 0521365759. Retrieved 15 April 2013.