Optical analysis of the Wallace Astrophysical Observatory 24-inch and Magellan I 6.5-meter telescopes

Abstract

The goal of this thesis is to propose a layout for the Wallace Astrophysical Observatory (WAO) 24-inch optical system that would utilize the full potential of the telescope and a new CCD imaging instrument. An optical analysis of the 6.5-meter Magellan I telescope was first performed to determine the optimal mounting location for the Raymond and Beverly Sackler Magellan Instant Camera (MAGIC). The analysis method used for the Magellan I model was then applied to the WAO 24-inch telescope. The results of the optical analysis of the WAO 24-inch model suggest that the optimal layout would follow a Cassegrain model with a focal ratio of between 15.3 and 16.6 to obtain image sizes of approximately 1.0 arcsecond or less over a field of up to 26.4 arcminutes in diameter.