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Link to mount performance, dome info, zones of avoidance, etc.


Link to WOLM description and active optics (focus offsets rather than actual focus piston, etc.)


LDT (formerly DCT) Selected Technical Publications & References (full papers)

Lowell Discovery Telescope

Azimuth-Elevation Mount, rotates freely within the dome

Primary Mirror:

  • Diameter: 4.3m

  • Focal ratio: f/1.9

  • Thickness: 4 inches

  • Composition: Ultra-low expansion (ULE) glass, thin meniscus

  • Supported:

    • laterally by 36 pneumatic actuators

    • axially by 120 electromechanical actuators

Secondary Mirror:

  • Diameter: 1.4m

  • Supported by:

    • three axial definers

    • central radial defining hub

    • tangent defining strap

    • modest partial vacuum (approximately -0.25 psig)

Ritchey–Chrétien (RC) Focus:

  • Effective focal ratio: f/6.1

  • Corrected (flattened) FOV: 30' x 30'

  • Plate Scale:  8" / mm

Instrument Ports:

  • The RC Instrument Cube supports the simultaneous mounting of up to 5 different instruments.

    • Through Port: Sits behind the 2-element field-flattening corrector lens.

    • 2 Large folded (side) ports fed by moveable fold mirrors.

    • 2 Small folded (side) ports fed by moveable fold mirror / dichroic.

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