Good news!!! The NJAA 12” f8 Meade RCX400 is back up and running.
The scope was placed back into the Walter Schirra observatory a few months ago.
This was after a slight renovation of the observatory. The goto problems that plaqued the
scope have also been completely fixed.
Walter Schirra Observatory
During the end of December, Research Group member Vladimir Alexandrov took the time to collimate and polar align the scope. This is just in time as the 12” RCX is an ideal imaging platform for lunar and planetary work. The telescope has a thermally stable carbon fiber tube. Also the electronics are able to readout the temperature inside of the telescope tube. Not to mention an electronic focuser. All of this adds up to a telescope that should be exceptional for lunar and planetary imaging.
12" f8 Meade RCX400
Below is one of the first images from the scope by Vlad. In the coming weeks this scope will be instrumental in an imaging campaign aimed hopefully at Mars and Venus with images being regularly sent to the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (ALPO).
Saturn by Vladimir Alexandrov, 12” Meade RCX400 2x Barlow, ~ f/16, 1/1/12
W. Anthony
NJAA Research Director
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