Optical Gyroscopes Applied to Telescopes
Abstract
Optical gyroscopes mounted directly on a telescope can provide its precise angular coordinates referred to the fundamental inertial system. Tracking of a star can be accomplished by computing continually in real time its changing apparent place and by applying computer-generated corrections to the telescope to maintain coincidence between the output of the gyros and the apparent place of the star. This system circumvents mechanical imperfections of the mounting and drives of the telescope, thereby promising significant cost reduction as well as improved performance.
- Publication:
-
Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific
- Pub Date:
- May 1991
- DOI:
- 10.1086/132844
- Bibcode:
- 1991PASP..103..468B
- Keywords:
-
- Optical Gyroscopes;
- Telescopes;
- Cost Reduction;
- Reflectors;
- Ring Lasers;
- Astronomy;
- INSTRUMENTS