Current Status

We have tested one full system on the 30-, 40-, and 74-telescopes. Analysis of basic characteristics (e.g. readnoise, gain, field-of-view, limiting magnitudes) is ongoing. We are also considering how to proceed with longer term issues, such as development of integrated software. Observers interested in shared risk observations should contact us.

Old News

  • Dec 2011/Jan 2012: Week-long run on 40". Special thanks to Dave K. for giving up his time!

    October/November 2011: Week-long run on 30".

    October 2011: Second camera arrives! Have all component in hand.

    September 2011: Week-long run on 40".

    August 2011: Engineering time on 74" telescope.

    April. 2011: First light on the 40" telescope.

    Feb. 2011: Website launched!

The basics: SHOC consists of an Andor Ixon camera, control computer, and GPS (for accurately-triggered frames). Operation will be via fiber network to the warm rooms. We will have two complete systems (camera+computer+GPS) and a spare computer/GPS box.

For more details, click on Concept above and/or the MIT POETS website and the IRTF MORIS website.

Funding

This project is funded by the SAAO, DST (the Department of Science and Technology), and NRF (National Research Foundation) in the Republic of South Africa.

Above images:
(left) External view of the 20 inch telescope in Sutherland. Credit: Anthony Koeslag. (right) SHOC image of Saturn in R band from the 40 inch.

Introduction

We are in the process of commissioning an instrument named SHOC (Sutherland High-speed Optical Camera) for use on the 1.9-m, 1.0-m, and 0.75-m telescopes at the Sutherland site of the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO). This is a high-speed, visible-wavelength system to be mounted at the Cassegrain focus and below the existing filter wheel. The design is based on POETS (Portable Occultation, Eclipse, and Transit Systems; developed by a collaboration between groups at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Williams College) and the IRTF MORIS (MIT Optical Rapid Imaging System).

 

Latest News

Engineering data being analyzed. Multiple science collaborations for 2012 Q2.

SUTHERLAND SAAO SHOC SUTHERLAND SAAO


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