Jeff Morgan (Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaii). Walt Siegmund (The University of Hawaii, Institute for Astronomy), Carole Hude (The University of Hawaii, Institute for Astronomy), and the Pan-STARRS Project (The University of Hawaii, Institute for Astronomy)
Keywords: Pan-STARRS
Abstract:
The Pan-STARRS project at the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy has recently begun commissioning a 1.8m Cassegrain telescope with a 7 square degree field of view at the Haleakala summit on Maui. This telescope is known as PS1, and is a prototype for the four optical subsystems comprising the final Pan-STARRS (PS4). For this wide field application, the optical layout utilizes a very large secondary mirror, 3 refractive corrector elements, and mirror supports that allow 5 degrees of freedom for both primary and secondary mirrors. There is an additional design driver due to the 650 kg load imposed by the camera, shutter, filter mechanism, and their support structures. This talk presents the design of the PS1 optics and telescope structure highlighting the challenges in meeting the image quality and survey operations requirements, and we present the adopted design solution that incorporates an EOST 2.4-meter telescope fork and gimbal. In addition, the design of the PS1 enclosure is shown. Finally, data from the telescope commissioning is discussed.
Date of Conference: September 10-14, 2006
Track: Pan-STARRS