Redesigning a Baker-Nunn camera for CCD imaging.
Abstract
The University of NSW's Automated Patrol Telescope is a modified Baker-Nunn satellite tracking camera, now used for CCD imaging of astronomical objects. The f/1 Baker-Nunn optical design gives a 30-deg field of view with an approximately spherical focal surface of radius about 500 mm. While the focal plane curvature is tolerable across the 1.4 deg x 1.0 deg field of the present CCD, it becomes unacceptable when a larger CCD is used. In addition, the use of glass filters in the highly convergent beam produces intolerable spherical aberration. We present a design modification to the original Baker-Nunn which enables a 5-deg diameter flat field to be produced when using B, V, R, or I filters. By making this modification, we plan to perform multicolor imaging, using a new large-format CCD with a 2.9 x 1.9 deg field of view.
- Publication:
-
Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia
- Pub Date:
- 1992
- DOI:
- 10.1017/S1323358000019305
- Bibcode:
- 1992PASA...10...74C
- Keywords:
-
- Charge Coupled Devices;
- Image Analysis;
- Spaceborne Astronomy;
- Optical Filters;
- Satellite Tracking;
- Instrumentation and Photography