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[ATM] Learning from SALT
SALT is now operational, a large scope in South Africa. Seems nice at
first glance, but have a look at one of the preliminary images with
their $600,000 USD camera (SALTICAM).
http://www.salt.ac.za/fileadmin/files/telescope/first_light/ngc6744UBI.jpg
I note that adaptive optics is not yet operational and the scope has,
according to the news, a large array of hexagonal mirrors. Stars appear
roughly heart shaped, but it is not clear to me whether this is
combination of coma and astigmatism or some other aberration from the
use of hexagonal mirrors. Also, note the thin and non-symetrical
projections from the stars typically associated with supports for a
secondary in our scopes. Anyone know what this/these aberration(s)
is/are exactly? I suppose wild guesses are welcome....
Dominic-Luc Webb
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