Celestron 14″ Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA 36) V2 Optical Tube Assembly
AED 551.00
- A breakthrough 36 cm aperture, f/2.2 optical system designed for professional applications that require both a wide field of view and resolution, the Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) 36 cm is ideal for space surveillance and other scientific applications.
- With a 4-element lens group featuring extra-low dispersion (ED) glass for images free of false color, coma, and field curvature, RASA 36 cm is also an excellent choice for advanced astroimaging.
- New Ultra-Stable Focus System (USFS) minimizes focus shift, mirror flop, and any other unwanted motion of the primary mirror, enabling easy and dependable focus.
- 60 mm optimized image circle maintains pinpoint stars to the far corners of the largest available sensors.
- An extended spectral range takes advantage of sensor response in the 700-900 nm range, allowing a brighter overall signal to be detected.
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Description
Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) V2
The Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) V2 is an advanced, cost-effective optical system ideal for applications such as space surveillance, Space Situational Awareness (SSA), scientific research, and wide-field astroimaging. Delivering exceptional value in aperture, speed, field of view, and optical performance, the RASA combines cutting-edge technology with a design optimized for high-precision imaging. Its prime-focus external image capture location offers a flat focal plane, delivering sharp, defect-free images free from field curvature, off-axis coma, and astigmatism.
Optical Performance
The RASA 36 cm, the largest and fastest (f/2.2) instrument in the RASA lineup, represents the pinnacle of Celestron’s optical innovation. It is the largest commercially available astrograph of its kind. Unlike standard telescopes that focus solely on the visible spectrum (400-700 nm), the RASA 36 cm extends its spectral performance to 400-900 nm, enabling cameras to capture brighter and more detailed signals across a broader range of wavelengths.
Advanced Features
The RASA 36 V2 is equipped with the Ultra-Stable Focus System (USFS), a cutting-edge technology featuring a precision linear ball bearing. This system minimizes focus shift and mirror flop, ensuring consistent image quality regardless of the telescope’s orientation. The USFS is compatible with the optional Celestron Focus Motor (#94155-A) for automated precision focusing.
Other notable features include:
Integrated 12V DC MagLev Fan: Reduces cooldown time, optimizes airflow, and prevents dust ingress through a micromesh filter.
Generous Back Focus: A 77.5 mm back-focus distance accommodates a variety of imaging sensors and supports custom camera adapters for fields of view up to 4.4 degrees.
Additional Features
- XLT Coatings: Celestron’s proprietary coatings ensure high light transmission through the system, with multi-coatings on lenses and reflective aluminum coatings on mirrors.
- Cooling System: Integrated cooling fan accelerates temperature equilibration while protecting against dust.
- Dual Dovetail Bars: Compatible with CGE/Losmandy-style dovetails, providing flexible mounting and accessory attachment.
- Convenient Handling: Rear cell carrying handles for easy movement and mounting.
- Precision Adjustment: Push-pull screws for fine-tuning the lens group alignment to ensure optimal optical performance.
- Included Accessories: Comes with an M48 camera adapter for seamless imaging integration.
Professional-Grade Shipping
Given the RASA 36 cm’s professional-grade precision and large size, each unit is meticulously manufactured and aligned by Celestron technicians to ensure peak optical performance. To protect its alignment and functionality during transport, the telescope is shipped via palletized delivery using LTL (Less-than-Truckload) freight. This method ensures safe and secure delivery, whether shipped domestically or through authorized Celestron dealers.
SOLAR WARNING
- Never look directly at the Sun with the naked eye or with an optic (unless you have the proper solar filter). Permanent and irreversible eye damage may result.
- Never use your optic to project an image of the Sun onto any surface. Internal heat build-up can damage the optic and any accessories attached to it.
- Never leave your optic unsupervised. Make sure an adult who is familiar with the correct operating procedures is with your optic at all times, especially when children are present.
Additional information
| Moon & Planets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Nebulae & Galaxies | Yes |
| Nature Observation | No |
| Astrophotography | Yes |
| Sun (with appropriate filter) | Only with appropriate solar filters! |
| Beginners | No |
|---|---|
| Advanced Users | Yes |
| Experienced Amateurs | Yes |
| Type of Optics | Catadioptric |
|---|---|
| Optical Design | Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph |
| Aperture | 355.6mm (14") |
| Focal Length | 790mm (31.1") |
| Focal Ratio | f/2.2 |
| Central obstruction diameter | 158mm (6.22")(44% of aperture diameter) |
| Coating | Enhanced aluminum, XLT Multi-Coated throughout |
| Resolving Power (theoretical, Rayleigh) | 0.39 arc seconds |
| Resolving Power (theoretical, Dawes) | 0.36 arc seconds |
| Light Gathering Capacity (in relation to human eye) | 2581X |
| Optical tube material | Aluminum |
| Optical tube length | 1079.5mm (42.5") |
| Optical Tube Diameter | 406.4mm (16") |
| Optical tube weight | 34.02 kg (75 lbs) |
| Image circle | 60.1mm (2.36") Ø, 4.4° |
| Useable field | 70mm (2.75") Ø, 5.1°, only minimal performance loss at edge of FOV |
| Wavelength range | 400 – 900 nm |
| Spot size | < 6.3 μm RMS across FOV |
| Off-axis Illumination | 83% at 30mm (1.18") off-axis |
| Optical Window | 104mm (4.09") Ø |
| Back focus with included camera adapter | 55mm (2.16") |
| Back focus from top of threaded collar | 77.5mm (3.05") |
| Dovetail Compatibility | dual dovetail mounting bars |
| Type of focuser | Ultra-Stable Focus System (USFS), minimizes lateral movement of primary mirror |
|---|
| Tripod | Not included |
|---|
| Eyepiece | Not included |
|---|---|
| Finderscope | Not included |
| Barlow lens | Not included |
| Camera | Not included |
| Included Items | 48mm (1.89") camera adapter, Fan battery pack |
|---|---|
| Other features | Ventilation fan |
Downloads
Manuals:
Nexstar Plus Hand Control Manual
8" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph Manual
Software & Firmware:
Periodic Error Correction Tool (PECTool)
Drawings:
Advanced VX 8" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph Dimensional Drawing
8" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph Optical Tube Assembly Dimensional Drawing
Other Product Files:
How to Align a Red Dot Finder to Your Telescope Video
Celestron NexStar+ Hand Control Troubleshooting Guide
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