The main mirror of our large telescope is relatively thin, but still weighs 80kg. To maintain the nominal mirror shape during telescope movements, it lies on an air bag, whose pressure is adapted to the respective telescope position. A lot of pressure for observations at the zenith (high weight load), less pressure for observations at the horizon (lower weight load). The air pressure is permanently adjusted by sensors under the mirror, electronics and a pump depending on the telescope orientation. The original control system was outdated and did not work properly. We have therefore designed and implemented modern electronics to take over this task.
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A new milestone
We normally work on technical challenges whose solutions usually run in the background. This is also the case with the construction of our large telescope, which places very high demands on the accuracy of its...
29. August 2024
Digital positioning
In old times, telescopes were positioned with so-called circular scales, which mapped the celestial coordinate system. The positioning accuracy was increased like a caliper with an angular vernier to then track the...
17. September 2022
Digital cameras
Our colleagues Sophia, Katharina and Lucia have tested all our CCD cameras today. This includes shots that provide the pixel noise and give information about the quality of the readout electronics. Other shots provide...
5. February 2022
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