PlaneWave PW1000 Observatory System

The PW1000 is a complete 1-meter observatory-class telescope featuring a direct drive altitude-azimuth (Alt-Az) mounting system designed and engineered by PlaneWave. With a diffraction-limited 100mm image circle, the PW1000 is designed to excel at imaging on the largest format CCD cameras available today. Light-weighted optics are made of zero expansion fused silica materials for excellent thermal stability and maximum throughput. The dual Nasmyth ports allow two instruments to be installed simultaneously, and a computer-controlled M3 mirror allows either instrument to be remotely selected in seconds. With direct-drive motors, high-resolution encoders, zero-backlash and no periodic error, the PW1000 sets a new standard in 1-meter class observatory telescopes.

The PW1000 is a complete 1-meter observatory-class telescope featuring a direct drive altitude-azimuth (Alt-Az) mounting system designed and engineered by PlaneWave. With a diffraction-limited 100mm image circle, the PW1000 is designed to excel at imaging on the largest format cameras available today. Light-weighted optics are made of zero expansion fused silica materials for excellent thermal stability and maximum throughput. The dual Nasmyth ports allow two instruments to be installed simultaneously, and a computer-controlled M3 mirror allows either instrument to be remotely selected in seconds. With direct-drive motors, high-resolution encoders, zero-backlash and no periodic error, the PW1000 sets a new standard in 1-meter class observatory telescopes.

Alt-Az mounts are the choice for most modern professional observatories. An Alt-Az mount is inherently more stable than an equatorial mount since there is no cantilevered mass, nor are there any large protruding counterweights to create a dangerous hazard in a public observatory. An Alt-Az telescope is also considerably more compact than its equatorial counterpart, allowing a larger telescope to fit in a smaller enclosure. The mass required to make a rigid Alt-Az mount is substantially less, leading to substantial cost savings. Unlike German Equatorial mounts, there are no meridian flips to deal with; you can image continuously from horizon to horizon if desired. With no polar alignment required, the Alt-Az mount is far more intuitive to use than a German Equatorial mount.

• 1-meter aperture at f/6 and 6,000mm focal length providing pinpoint stars across a 100mm image circle (1 degree)
• No coma, no off-axis astigmatism, and no field curvature
• Compact Alt/Az design with dual Nasmyth ports allowing multiple instrumentation payloads to be installed on the telescope
• Integrated direct drive field de-rotator / rotational field framing
• Integrated direct drive mount with absolute encoders, zero periodic error, zero backlash, and minimal maintenance due to the lack of gears
• Slew speeds up to 50 degrees/sec for satellite tracking and fast target acquisition
• Optional 0.7x reducer for imaging at f/4.25 at 4,250mm focal length (part number 1000166)
• Fast 1-day installation and on-sky taking images that same night (weather dependent)