Narrow-band Imagery with the 1.3-meter Robotically Controlled Telescope (RCT)
Abstract
The Robotically Controlled Telescope (RCT) has two filter wheels in the optical path, providing a choice of up to 16 filters (plus a clear position) for any given observation. Each circular, 113 mm (~4.5 inches) diameter filter is custom made for the RCT. The standard observing configuration is to have one filter wheel in place at all times, loaded with medium-band and standard UBVRI broad-band filters. The second slot gets filled with one of two wheels containing interference filters. One of these filter wheels contains narrow-band filters centered on diagnostic, nebular emission lines of ionized hydrogen, doubly ionized helium, [S II], [N II], [O III], and adjacent regions of the spectrum for continuum subtraction. The other wheel includes a second set of narrow-band filters centered on molecular emission lines important to the study of comets; such as OH, CN, C2, C3, and adjacent regions of the spectrum for continuum subtraction. We discuss how the number and variety of readily available filters provides powerful flexibility for the research programs undertaken by users of the 1.3-m Robotically Controlled Telescope.
- Publication:
-
Telescopes from Afar
- Pub Date:
- March 2011
- Bibcode:
- 2011tfa..confE..53W