Improving the efficiency of observations: experience in modernizing the focusing and coma correction systems of the AZT-8 telescope
Рубрика:
| 1Luk’yanyk, IV, 2Pukha, SP, 3Buromsky, MI, 4Karbivsky, VI, 3Kleshchonok, VV, 4Lashko, MV, , 1Astronomical Observatory of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine 2National Technical University of Ukraine «Kyiv Polytechnic Institute», Kyiv, Ukraine 3Astronomical Observatory, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine 4Main Astronomical Observatory of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine |
| Space Sci. & Technol. 2025, 31 ;(6):112-122 |
| Язык публикации: English |
Аннотация: Introduction. The modernization of existing telescopes enables a practical and cost-effective approach to significantly increase
the efficiency of astronomical research without the need for complete equipment replacement. This work presents technical solutions for upgrading the optical system of the AZT-8 telescope at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, including modifications to the optical configuration, the installation of a coma corrector, a motorized focuser, and software for remote focusing control. Methods. The original Cassegrain optical configuration of the telescope was reconfigured by removing the secondary mirror and installing a new assembly that includes a commercial coma corrector (TS-Optics NEWTON 1.0x Riccardi), a CMOS camera (Moravian C4-16000EC), and a TS-Optics UNCN3 focuser. Automated remote control of the focuser was implemented via a Python-based application using the ASCOM interface. Test observations of a stellar field were conducted to assess image quality and focusing accuracy. Results. The installation of the coma corrector fully eliminated eccentric coma aberration across the entire field of view, which had previously limited photometric accuracy due to distorted stellar centroids. Stellar images became circular with FWHM values of approximately 3.8–4.3 pixels. Software-based focuser control enabled micron-level focusing precision and stable repeatability without image degradation during repeated adjustments. Conclusions. The modernization of the AZT-8 telescope through the integration of commercially available optical and electronic components significantly improved the quality of astronomical imaging and enabled remote focusing. The proposed solutions can be adapted for similar telescopes at other observatories. |
| Ключевые слова: ASCOM, AZT-8 telescope, CMOS camera., coma corrector, focuser, modernization |
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