RCOS Carbon Truss 20 inch Ritchey-Chrétien Telescopes...

RCOS 20 inch Carbon Truss Ritchey-Chretien Telescope

Use an RCOS 20RC at NOAO's Kitt Peak National Observatory (RCOS 20" f/8.2 with ION Milled optics shown).

Kitt Peak National Observatory - Visitors Center

"High atop Kitt Peak sits the largest collection of optical research telescopes anywhere in the world. Each evening, we offer a public program like no other. At our Visitor Center and its multiple observatories, the public is invited to learn about and gain hands-on experience with the latest astronomy has to offer. We’ll view everything from planets to distant galaxies using our 20-inch and 16-inch Ritchey-Chrétien telescopes from RC Optical Systems.

If you’ve only just found out about the Nightly Observing Program, please consider joining the nearly 7000 people each year who experience the thrill of an evening on Kitt Peak. Discovery and excitement await!

Due to the popularity of this program, it is recommended that you make reservations 2 to 4 weeks prior to your visit.

This program is an introductory star-gazing program. Those looking for a more in-depth experience can reserve a night on the Advanced Observing Program."

RCOS 20" f/8.1 Carbon Truss Telescope, Computer Polished ULE, Zerodur, Astro-Sitall Optics... RCOS 20" f/8.2 Carbon Truss Telescope, ION Milled Astro-Sitall Optics...

Optical Features:
- - Zero Expansion Astro-Sitall, ULE Type, or Zerodur RC Optics, Tested and Certified to at least 1/20th Wave RMS.
- Supporting Fringe Analysis and Interferometric Data included.
- Enhanced Aluminum (SiO2/TiO2) Overcoat - 96.9% Reflectivity.

Mechanical Features:
- Designed, Engineered and Modeled in SolidWorks.
- RCOS Proprietary Center Mounted, Self Balancing Primary Mirror Cell.
- Low expansion, light weight Carbon Fiber Truss for superior performance and stability.
- 6061 Aluminum components - All CNC Machined.
- Precision Secondary Mirror Focuser.
- Multi-Stage Primary Mirror Baffle with internal knife-edge light stops.
- Conical Secondary Light Baffle.
- 6061 Aluminum Mounting Rings - CNC Machined.
- Active Cooling.
- RCOS "Focus and Forget" Technology.
- Shipped fully Assembled, Collimated and Ready to Use.
- RCOS CNC Machined "light weight" Dovetail Plates (Losmandy compatible) - top and bottom with matching Paramount VersaPlate hole pattern, allows dovetail mounting plate to be bolted to VersaPlate once scope is balanced.
- CNC machined Composite Dust Cover over primary mirror.

Mass Properties and Dimensions (typical)

Complete and fully assembled OTA Price: Call

Optical Features:
- Zero Expansion, Astro-Sitall Ritchey-Chretien Optics, Tested and Certified to at Least 1/40th Wave RMS (root mean square). 
- Supporting Fringe Analysis and Interferometric Data included.
- Enhanced Aluminum (SiO2/TiO2) Overcoat - 96.9% Reflectivity.

Mechanical Features:
- Designed Engineered and Modeled in SolidWorks.
- RCOS Proprietary 18-Point Primary Mirror Flotation Cell.
- Low expansion, light weight Carbon Fiber Truss for superior performance and stability.
- 6061 Aluminum components - All CNC Machined.
- Precision Secondary Mirror Focuser.
- Multi-Stage Primary Mirror Baffle with internal knife-edge light stops.
- Conical Secondary Light Baffle.
- 6061 Aluminum Mounting Rings - CNC Machined.
- Active Cooling.
- RCOS "Focus and Forget" Technology.
- Shipped fully Assembled, Collimated and Ready to Use.
- RCOS CNC Machined "light weight" Dovetail Plates (Losmandy compatible) - top and bottom with matching Paramount VersaPlate hole pattern, allows dovetail mounting plate to be bolted to VersaPlate once scope is balanced.
- CNC machined Composite Dust Cover over primary mirror.

Mass Properties and Dimensions (typical)

Complete and fully assembled OTA Price: Call