Alluna Optics
delivers 28 inch (71 cm) mirror optics to IAS observatory
on Gamsberg/Namibia
Gamsberg (2347m), on the edge of
the Namibian plain, is in astronomical terms one of the three best locations
for telescopes in the southern hemisphere. The observation conditions are
comparable to La Silla, the site of the European Southern Observatory in
Chile or Paranal, home of the Very Large Telescope.
The Tafelberg was bought back in
the 70‘s from the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA). The planned
observatory was not built in Namibia but was instead built in La Sille,
Chile. The association IAS (International Amateur Observatory e.V.) has
now leased the premises of the MPIA. The aim is to build an observatory
on the summit plateau which allows amateur astronomers to observe the southern
sky with larger telescopes under optimal viewing conditions.
The plan is to install a 28" telescope,
which can be used visually and photographically. The heavy construction,
a gift from the MPIA, weighing a total of 2.5 tons is being rebuilt. The
optics, primary mirror and secondary mirror is delivered by the company
Alluna Optics. The 71cm f4,4 main mirror has already been completed and
will soon be tested together with the mount while still in Germany. The
values ??obtained on the test bench for optics should meet all expectations
of optical performance. Its commissioning on the Gamsberg plateau is planned
for 2008.
** Addendum: Status 2014 In the club’s
observatory, which is located at the foot of Gamsberg, many devices are
at the disposal of the amateur astronomer. These include a 20" Bath Astro
Camera "AK2" with Alluna optics, an Alluna Ritchey-Chrétien Alluna
20", a 20" Cassegrain and a C14 and other telescopes and mountings. At
the second location on the Gambsberg summit is the 28" Newton and a 16
inch hypergraph.
For more information about IAS http://www.ias-observatory.org
For more information about Alluna
Optics http://www.alluna-optics.de
Gamsberg / Namibia
Picture source: Bernd Schroeter,
Regensburg
Transport to Gambsberg
Picture source: Jürgen Richthammer
/ IAS
Telescope on Gambsberg in Namibia
Control room 71 cm Newton
left Wolfram Felber / Alluna Optics
and right Wolf Peter Hartmann IAS
The 70 cm Newton telescope
on the 2347 m high Gambsberg in
Namibia
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