Charleston Lake
Astronomical
Imaging the Night Sky from Ontario Canada
Telescopes / Mounts
Telescopes / Optics
When people think of Astronomy equipment, the Telescope is the most recognized.
We presently use a SCT (Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope) as our primary instrument. The Ultima 8 PEC is made by Celestron, and combines an 8" aperture (203.2mm) with a robust fork mount.
A Schmidt Cassegrain is a "Folded Optic Design" - mirrors perform the magnification rather than lenses. (See image below)
We also use an Orion ED-80 refractor. This instrument is 80mm aperture, with Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass in the objective. This scope has a focal length of 670mm.
Perhaps more important than the optics, is the mount and it's tracking ability. The Telescope mount must rotate at the Sidereal rate, to remain aimed at the same point in space, during the rotation of the earth.
Schmidt Cassegrain Optical Tube
Light Path in a Schmidt Cassegrain Optical Tube
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