Fully automated observation with an 1.5m telescope
Fully automated observation
Project for Research Infrastructure 2020-2027
The ASA AZ1500 telescope, with a 1.5 m aperture, was built by ASA Astrosysteme GmbH under a project funded by the National Roadmap for Research Infrastructure 2020-2027, coordinated by the Ministry of Education and Science.
Observations with the new facility will be fully automated and without the presence of an operator. The optical system of the telescope itself, consisting of three mirrors with a very precise computerized telescope-pointing system, guarantees diffraction-limited performance and does not require further adjustments.
ASA Impressions
Products in use
ASA AZ1500 f6
An evolution milestone of high-end telescope systems (1.5m aperture)
- Optical design: Ritchey-Chrétien RC
- Linear central obstruction: 43%
- Focus position: Nasmyth 2 as standard, 4 as option
- Focal ratio system: f6
- Clear Aperture / Focal Ratio Primary Mirror: 1500mm (59,1 inch) / f2
- Image field: 200mm (1.27 degrees)
- Mirror material: Fused silica (option Zerodur)
- Surface quality: >94 strehl
- Microroughness: 1nm RMS / <0.7nm Ra
- Coating: Al+SiO2 >91%
- Back Focus from flange: 513mm
- Total weight: 5000kg (11023lbs)
- Software: ASA Software package with a platform-independent Ascom Alpaca API (via TCP/IP), compatibility with numerous programs, and many additional API features for:
• Creating and optimizing pointing files
• MLPT (e.g., usable with a N.I.N.A plugin)
• Uploading and tracking TLE and CPF satellite orbits
• Orbit corrections when satellite tracking (autoguiding with external CCD cameras)
• Focus control also via Ascom Alpaca API
• Covers (if installed) via Ascom Alpaca API
• Full API control over rotator, Nasmyth port - Pointing Accuracy (20° to 85°): <8” RMS with pointing model
- Tracking Accuracy (20° to 85° – unguided, with current pointingfile): <0,25” RMS within 5 minutes
- System Natural Frequency: 10 Hz or greater
- Satellite tracking: All sky pointing error (20°-85°) 8” RMS more info
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