Collaborative Research: Development of an Ultra-Lightweight-Technology Telescope for Ground-Based Research in Optical Astronomy

University Of Kansas Center For Research Inc, Lawrence KS

Investigators

Abstract

The use of graphite fiber composites to fabricate mirrors and telescope structures promises to make available, in the near term, a versatile and cost-effective tool for optical astronomy, including the economical fabrication and operation of telescopes ranging from small (<1 m) aperture for education and research to extremely large (30 m+) segmented telescopes (ELTs) for cutting-edge research. The focus of this research is a three-year program to develop, test, and decisively demonstrate the astronomical capabilities of this technology. A 1m-class research telescope will be designed, tested, and operated at Mt. Laguna Observatory, a dark and remote observing site 50 miles east of San Diego. Progress in this field will allow greater access to affordable, state-of-the-art telescopes for educational and public institutions at all levels.