Telescope captures images of the Whirlpool galaxy

The Lowell Observatory has released the first images taken with a 4k x 4k imaging sensor from e2v (Chelmsford, UK) that equips its flagship Discovery Channel Telescope (DCT).

The DCT is a 4.3 meter aperture telescope built by Lowell Observatory and the Discovery Channel and is located in Coconino National Forest, Arizona.

Lowell is also investing in a Large Monolithic Imager (LMI), which will use 2v’s 6k x 6k CCD231-C6 imaging sensor. The device was developed with funding from e2v and the National Science Foundation.

The imaging sensor is back thinned for high sensitivity, has a large (92 x 92 mm) format and a precision package to provide a flat focal plane at cryogenic operating temperature.

The LMI in the telescope will be used to observe Kuiper belt objects and comets, massive stars in our galaxy and star formation in remote galaxies.

The image above shows one of the first images from the telescope of the M51, the Whirlpool galaxy.

-- Dave Wilson, Senior Editor, Vision System Design