Astronomy with the Automated Patrol Telescope

Abstract

AbstractThe Automated Patrol Telescope (APT) is a wide-field CCD imaging telescope operated by the University of New South Wales at Siding Spring Observatory in Australia. The optical design employed resembles that of a Schmidt, but uses a 3-element lens to achieve a wide, corrected field of view. The APT was developed by extensively modifying the optical, mechanical and electronic systems of a Baker-Nunn satellite tracking camera. Telescope motion and operation of the CCD have been placed under computer control, allowing automated observations for longterm survey and monitoring projects. The APT has 0.5 m aperture f/1 optics which produce a 5° flat field, of which a 2°×3° field is covered by the CCD currently installed. The telescope is being used for studies of stellar activity in open clusters and regions of star formation, and comet and minor planet investigations. A number of other projects for the APT are being considered, including searches for novae, supernovae in clusters of galaxies, and brown dwarfs.