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.

Used product

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ASA Impressions

ASA AZ1500 telescope in bulgaria

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: Zerodur
Surface quality: >94 strehl
Microroughness: 1nm RMS / <0.7nm Ra
Coating: Al+SiO2 >91%
Back Focus from flange: 513mm
Weight tube: 5000kg (11023lbs)
Software: ASA API (application programming interface) available autumn 2023 ASA Software(Autoslew, Sequence-windows based, ACC) with ASCOM-Alpaca
Pointing Accuracy (20° to 85°): <8” RMS with pointing model
Tracking Accuracy (20° to 85°): <0,25” RMS within 5 minutes tracking time over 5 min 0,05” RMS/min
System Natural Frequency: 10 Hz or greater