CDK24’s Key Features
Large Aperture and Moderate Focal Ratio
The CDK24 features a substantial 610 mm aperture and a moderate f/6.5 focal ratio. This setup enhances its capability to capture deep-sky objects with remarkable detail, providing excellent light-gathering efficiency and a broad field of view for research and imaging.
Advanced Optical Design
Equipped with a state-of-the-art Corrected Dall-Kirkham optical system, the CDK24 offers exceptional image clarity. Its design eliminates off-axis coma and astigmatism and delivers a perfectly flat field, ensuring images are sharp and detailed across the entire field of view with minimal post-processing adjustments.
Robust Mechanical Structure
Constructed with a carbon fiber optical tube, the CDK24 is lightweight and durable. Its thermal expansion coefficient ensures minimal focus shift as temperatures change, making it ideal for prolonged observing sessions under varying environmental conditions.
High-Performance Mirrors and Coatings
Utilizing fused silica mirrors, the CDK24 maintains precise optical alignment and surface accuracy, even with temperature fluctuations. Its high-quality coatings enhance light transmission and reduce stray light, optimizing performance for specialized observational tasks.
Thermal Management
The CDK24 is equipped with cooling fans and a Delta-T ready system to achieve thermal equilibrium swiftly. These features help to minimize air turbulence within the tube, thus reducing image distortion and maintaining consistent imaging quality.
Integrated Dew Control
The telescope incorporates advanced dew prevention technology with heater pads controlled by PlaneWave’s software. This ensures that optical surfaces remain clear of condensation during humid conditions, thus maintaining clear and consistent imaging performance.
Application-Specific Benefits
Astrophotography
With its large image circle and exquisite field flatness, the CDK24 allows astrophotographers to capture expansive and breathtaking views of the cosmos with incredible detail and clarity.
Astronomy Research
The precise and stable imaging capabilities of the CDK24 make it an invaluable tool for academic institutions and observatories engaged in complex astronomical research, including deep-sky surveys and detailed photometric studies.
Visual Observations
The CDK24 excels in visual observation, offering bright and crisp views ideal for star parties and serious visual astronomy. The telescope's large aperture and superior optical quality provide stunning views of planetary, lunar, and deep-sky objects, making every viewing session a remarkable experience.
Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)
The CDK24 also lend itself to applications in Space Situational Awareness and Space Domain Awareness. Its capability to provide detailed observations can be essential for tracking and monitoring satellites and other space debris, contributing valuable data for space traffic management and safety initiatives.
Optical Systems
| Aperture |
610 mm (24") |
| Focal Length |
3974 mm (156") |
| Focal Ratio |
f/6.5 |
| Central Obstruction |
47% of the primary mirror diameter |
| Back Focus From Mounting Surface |
364.46 mm (14.349") |
| Weight |
240 lbs (108.9 kg) |
| OTA Length |
1422 mm (56") |
| Optical Design Performance |
2.4-micron RMS on-axis, 4.0-micron RMS at 26 mm off-axis, 4.8-micron at 35 mm off-axis |
| Upper Cage |
Carbon fiber truss |
| Lower Cage |
Carbon fiber truss with aluminum light shroud |
| Image Circle Size |
70mm |
Secondary Mirror
| Diameter |
280 mm (11") |
| Material |
Fused silica (quartz) |
| Shape |
Spherical |
| Coating |
Enhanced Aluminum - 96% |
Lens Group
| Diameter |
135 mm (5.31") |
| Coating |
Broadband AR Coatings (less than .5% reflected from 400 to 700 nm) |
Primary Mirror
| Optical Diameter |
610 mm (24") |
| Outer Diameter |
622 mm (24.5") |
| Shape |
Prolate Ellipsoid |
| Coating |
Enhanced aluminum – 96% |
