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1. Introduction |
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1. Introduction |
The Noto 32 m antenna is a Cassegrain radiotelescope operated since 1989, by the Istituto di Radioastronomia, until 2004 part of the CNR (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche) and now part of the INAF (Istituto Nazionale di AstroFisica).
Fig. 1.1 : The Noto's antenna
The main features of this instrument are the following :
 | Active surface |
| Secondary reflector wobbling (shifting time ≤ 1 sec at ν ≥ 20 GHz) |
| Complete automation and remote control of the observing settings |
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Position |
Noto, Italy |
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Coordinates |
Lat. 36°52'33.78" N - Long. 14°59'20.51" E Alt. 30 m f.s.l. |
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Optics |
Cassegrain |
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Frequency coverage |
1.4 ÷ 86 GHz |
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Primary reflector diameter |
32 m |
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Secondary reflector diameter |
3.2 m |
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Available foci |
Primary f/D = 0.32 Cassegrain f/D = 3.04 |
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Elevation range |
0°÷90° |
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Azimut range |
± 270° |
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Slew rates (wind speed < 60 km/h) |
48°/min Azimuth 30°/min Elevation |
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Surface accuracy (rms specified) |
0.1 mm |
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Pointing accuracy (rms specified) |
8 arcsec |
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FWHM Beamwidth |
38.7 arcmin/f (GHz) |
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Gain |
0.10 ÷ 0.16 K/Jy |
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First secondary lobes |
circa 20 dB under the main lobe |
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Receivers mounts |
Primary Focus : movable positioner (2 receiver bays) Cassegrain Focus : fixed (1 receiver bay) |
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Parabolic reflector correction system |
Active surface (Look up table) |
Tab. 1.1 : Characteristics of the Noto antenna
Fig. 1.2 : The Noto antenna, side
