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The Ron Stone Astrometric Scanning Transit Telescope is a completely automated transit telescope utilizing scan-mode CCD cameras to measure the positions of hundreds of thousands of stars to fainter than 17th magnitude. It has been used in studies of the relationship between optical and radio reference frames, since it can detect and accurately measure positions of both the bright stars used to define the optical reference frame and faint quasars and radio galaxies that define the radio frame.

 

Telescope Data
 
  • Construction
    • Optics: Farrand Optical Company
    • Mounting: Farrand Optical Company
    • Date Completed: 1981
  • Optical Design: Achromat
  • Overall Focal Ratio: f/10.4
  • Focal Plane Scale: 99 arcsec/mm
  • Objective Lens
    • Diameter: 20-cm (8-inches)
    • Material: Crown & Flint Glass
    • Focal Ratio: f/10.4
  • Total Weight (Optics, Tube and Mount): 1,910 kg (2.1 tons)
 
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Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command | 1100 Balch Blvd. | Stennis Space Center, Mississippi 39529

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