The cosmos measuring machine
Abstract
The development of the COSMOS measuring machine is reviewed, its modes of operation are described, and various examples of its use are provided. The COSMOS machine is a measuring system designed to match the astronomical data-acquisition power of large modern Schmidt telescopes and has the capability of automatically separating images of galaxies from those of stars. The initial design study and subsequent revisions are discussed along with the machine's two scanning systems. Detailed attention is given to the on-line control software, linear-scanning mapping mode, coarse-measurement (CM) mode, data-processing sequences, CM reduction software, CM background following, CM application software, CM separation of galactic and stellar images, CM star counts, fine-measurement mode, and measurement of objective-prism spectra. Some limitations and future prospects of the COSMOS machine are noted.
- Publication:
-
Vistas in Astronomy
- Pub Date:
- 1977
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0083-6656(77)90001-0
- Bibcode:
- 1977VA.....21....1P
- Keywords:
-
- Astrometry;
- Data Processing;
- Schmidt Telescopes;
- Astronomical Spectroscopy;
- Background Radiation;
- Computer Programs;
- Data Acquisition;
- Data Reduction;
- Design Analysis;
- On-Line Programming;
- Photographic Plates;
- Astronomy