On 12th Nov. 2013, the acceptance meeting of the optic & mechanic system for the 2nd Antarctic Survey Telescope, AST3-2, was held at Nanjing Institute of Astronomical Optics and Technology, National Astronomical Observatories, CAS. The experts from Nanjing University and Purple Mountain Observatory attended the meeting. As the vice deputy leader of the Antarctic Survey Telescope group, Prof. Yuan Xiangyan introduced the design and construction procedure of the optic and mechanic system in details. The test run results under low temperature and at Xinglong station were also reported. After carefully inquiring and discussing, the attending experts complimented the AST3-2 designed with distinct features which would guarantee the AST3-2 to run smoothly under the extreme working condition in the Antarctic. The specifications of the AST3-2 meet the design requirements. And all the experts agreed the acceptance of the AST3-2.
The Array of Antarctic Survey Telescopes, AST3, include three telescopes, each possessing a 680 mm main mirror with 500 mm pupil. The first Antarctic Survey Telescope, AST3-1, had been installed at Kunlun Station, Antarctic in 2011 and is in its test observing stage. The 2nd Antarctic Survey Telescope, AST3-2, is now taking winter test run and observation at Mohe, the most north part of China.
AST3-2 Telescope |
