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

Compositemirrorapplicationsinc., Tucson AZ

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.