ON THE PERFORMANCE OF THE BENDIX LUMICON WITH ASTRONOMICAL OBJECTS
Abstract
A series of astronomical and some laboratory tests were made with the Bendix-Friez Lumicon during the period December 1958 to July 1959 at the Yerkes and McDonald Observatories. The object of these tests was to assess the suitability of the Lumicon as a tool for astronomical research, including the discovery and observation of artificial satellites. The Lumicon was equipped with a General Electric No. Z-5294 Image Orthicon. Relevant notes, comments, and recommendations are given which may assist in further tests or in future developments of the apparatus. Three series of astronomical tests were run: (1) at Yerkes Observatory during December 1958 and January 1959; (2) at McDonald Observatory during March 1959; and (3) at Yerkes Observatory during July 1959. The Yerkes tests included observations of the Moon, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, star fields, and nebulae, with the 40-inch telescope. Further, tests with three short-focus, wide-angle lenses, for the recording of stars to the limiting magnitude, both for stationary star fields and fields moving at the rate of 1 degree per second (typical satellite velocity). The McDonald tests included similar observations with the 82-inch reflector, placed at 6800 feet elevation, and with two of the three short-focus lenses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1959
- Accession Number
- AD0607926
Entities
People
- Gerard P. Kuiper