Hi Astro-Geeks
Astro-Physics has designed and now tested a new accessory for wide field imaging with the 130 GT refractor. The new Telecompressor-Corrector operates at 600mm (approx. F4.6), and will cover a 4 degree field with extremely sharp performance from deep red to the far violet. All the individual color images of R,G,B and L will come to the same focus with the same small star sizes.
The compressor is a 4 element design using a high performance ED glass mated with high index Lanthanum crown. This combination preserves the high color correction of the 130GT lens all the way across the spectrum. On a reasonably stable night the star resolution in a 10 minute exposure will be on the order of 1.1 to 1.3 pixels FWHM with the 5.4 micron 8300 chip - for all 3 colors and Luminance.
The attached image shows the field size of the 8300 chip (QSI 683WSG). The 5.4 micron pixel size is ideal for this focal ratio, producing 1.8 arc sec per pixel. This is an LRGB of M13 with 4 x 5 minute exposures. I am somewhat limited here at my observatory test site, right in the middle of a very light polluted suburban shopping district, so I am not able to show any ground breaking images from here. These images are simply to show the potential of this accessory.
The scope that was used is our newest incarnation of the 130GT, now designated as the 130GTX. It sports a 3.5" focuser with Feathertouch fine focus and a new quick attachment system.
Rolando
The full image is at 50% of full resolution.
Astro-Physics has designed and now tested a new accessory for wide field imaging with the 130 GT refractor. The new Telecompressor-Corrector operates at 600mm (approx. F4.6), and will cover a 4 degree field with extremely sharp performance from deep red to the far violet. All the individual color images of R,G,B and L will come to the same focus with the same small star sizes.
The compressor is a 4 element design using a high performance ED glass mated with high index Lanthanum crown. This combination preserves the high color correction of the 130GT lens all the way across the spectrum. On a reasonably stable night the star resolution in a 10 minute exposure will be on the order of 1.1 to 1.3 pixels FWHM with the 5.4 micron 8300 chip - for all 3 colors and Luminance.
The attached image shows the field size of the 8300 chip (QSI 683WSG). The 5.4 micron pixel size is ideal for this focal ratio, producing 1.8 arc sec per pixel. This is an LRGB of M13 with 4 x 5 minute exposures. I am somewhat limited here at my observatory test site, right in the middle of a very light polluted suburban shopping district, so I am not able to show any ground breaking images from here. These images are simply to show the potential of this accessory.
The scope that was used is our newest incarnation of the 130GT, now designated as the 130GTX. It sports a 3.5" focuser with Feathertouch fine focus and a new quick attachment system.
Rolando
The full image is at 50% of full resolution.
Attached Image:
