From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia ARO 12m Radio Telescope
ARO 12m Radio Telescope
Coordinates: 31°57′12″N 111°36′53.475″W / 31.95333°N
111.61485417°W / 31.95333; -111.61485417
Telescope Block Diagram
The following diagram provides an overview of the way
The ARO 12m Radio Telescope (ARO12m or KP12m) is a in which the telescope operates at millimeter wave-
12-meter dish located on Kitt Peak, approximately 60 mi lengths.
(100 km) from Tucson, Arizona at an elevation of
6215.8 ft (1894.5 m).
History
The 12m was built in 1967 under the umbrella of the
National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO). At that
time, the dish was 36 feet (11 meters) in diameter and was
known as the 36-foot Telescope. In 1984, it was renovat-
ed with a new backup structure and a wider dish. At this
point its name was changed to the 12 Meter Telescope.
In 2000, the NRAO passed control of the telescope to
the University of Arizona. The University of Arizona had
been operating the Submillimeter Telescope (SMT) locat-
ed on Mount Graham since 1992. When it took over oper-
ations of the 12m, it created the Arizona Radio Observa-
Science at the 12m Radio Tele-
tory (ARO) which now runs both telescopes. scope
In the almost 40 years since it was first built, the 12m
Observatory Information Radio Telescope has been at the forefront of millimeter
molecular astronomy: studying molecules in space
This table displays some of the characteristics of the tele-
through the use of molecular spectroscopy at millimeter
scope and the site.[1]
wavelengths. Many of the molecules that have been dis-
Site covered in the interstellar medium were discovered by
East Longitude -111° 36’ 53.475" the 12m.
North Latitude +31° 57’ 12.000"
Elevation 1894.5 m (6215.8 ft)
References
[1] Technical information
Telescope
Primary Reflector 12.0 m
Diameter External links
Focal Ratio (f/D) Prime = 0.42, Cassegrain = 13.8 • ARO’s Wiki Page
• Official Web Site of the ARO
Surface Accuracy 75 λm rms
Mount Elevation over Azimuth
Slew Rate 60°/minute
Pointing Accuracy 5" rms
Elevation Limit 15°
Enclosure Tracking astrodome with mov-
able door
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=ARO_12m_Radio_Telescope&oldid=401749817"
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia ARO 12m Radio Telescope
Categories:
• Radio telescopes
• Astronomical observatories in Arizona
• Buildings and structures in Pima County, Arizona
• University of Arizona
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