More Glass for Optical SETI (Abstract)

Volume 48 number 2 (2020)

Bruce Howard

Owl Observatory, 131 Vaquero Road, Santa Fe, NM 87508; UBVRI@hotmail.com

Abstract

(Abstract only) In 2018 I reported to the SAS on a new Optical SETI Camera incorporating evolutionary improvements to the original instrumentation used at the Owl Observatory. This device represented the last cycle of improvement available without incorporating newer solid-state single photon detectors still not available to the amateur at a reasonable price point. So I decided the next improvement would necessarily be a significantly larger telescope optimized for Optical SETI. This paper will detail the design and construction of a 24” Cassegrain reflector designed for Optical SETI using a combination of novel and traditional design elements. As of this writing the telescope is 95% complete and is scheduled for deployment at a new location in New Mexico in October of this year.