 |
1. Introduction |
 |
| |
1. Introduction |
|
The Medicina 32-m antenna is a Cassegrain radiotelescope in operation since 1983, managed by the Istituto di Radioastronomia which is part of INAF (Istituto Nazionale di AstroFisica).
Fig. 1.1 : The Medicina antenna
The main features of this instrument are the following :
 |
Frequency agility (the observing frequency can be changed very quickly), tmax ≤ 4 min |
|
Complete automation and remote control of the observing settings |
| Location | Medicina (BO), Italy |
| Coordinates | Lat. 44°31'15" N - Long. 11°38'49" E - Alt. 25 m f.s.l. |
| Optics | Cassegrain |
| Frequency coverage | 1.35 ÷ 26.5 GHz |
| Primary reflector diameter | 32 m |
| Secondary reflector diameter | 3.2 m |
| Available foci |
Primary F/D = 0.32 Cassegrain F/D = 3.04 |
| Elevation range | 0°÷90° |
| Azimut range | ± 270° |
| Slew rates (wind speed < 60 km/h) |
48°/min Azimuth 30°/min Elevation |
| Surface accuracy (rms specified) |
0.6 mm * |
| Pointing accuracy (rms specified) | 8 arcsec |
| FWHM Beamwidth | 38.7 arcmin/f (GHz) |
| Gain | 0.10 ÷ 0.16 K/Jy |
| First secondary lobes | ≈ 20 dB under the main lobe |
| Receivers mounts |
Primary focus : movable positioner (3 receiver bays) Cassegrain focus : fixed (9 receiver bays) |
Tab. 1.1 : Characteristics of the Medicina antenna
*60° elevation
Fig. 1.2 : Medicina antenna, side view
