A Balloon-borne Millimeter-Wave Telescope for Cosmic Microwave Background Anisotropy Measurements

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (37) References (20) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS A Balloon-borne Millimeter-Wave Telescope for Cosmic Microwave Background Anisotropy Measurements Fixsen, D. J. ; Cheng, E. S. ; Cottingham, D. A. ; Folz, W. C. ; Inman, C. A. ; Kowitt, M. S. ; Meyer, S. S. ; Page, L. A. ; Puchalla, J. L. ; Ruhl, J. E. ; Silverberg, R. F. Abstract We report on the characteristics and design details of the Medium Scale Anisotropy Measurement telescope, a millimeter-wave, balloon-borne experiment that measures anisotropy in the cosmic microwave background radiation on 0.5^deg^ angular scales. The gondola is capable of maintaining orientation to 2' rms and determining absolute pointing to 2.5' accuracy during a one-night flight. Emphasis is placed on the optical and pointing performance as well as the weight and power budgets. We also discuss the total balloon/gondola mechanical system. The pendulation from this system is a ubiquitous perturbation on the pointing system. A detailed understanding in these areas is needed for developing the next generation of balloon-borne instruments. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: October 1996 DOI: 10.1086/177850 arXiv: arXiv:astro-ph/9512006 Bibcode: 1996ApJ...470...63F Keywords: BALLOONS; COSMOLOGY: COSMIC MICROWAVE BACKGROUND; INSTRUMENTATION: MISCELLANEOUS; TELESCOPES; Astrophysics E-Print: 37 pages, 15 figures, uses BoxedEPS.tex full text sources arXiv | ADS |