Improve Data Quality at the Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT)
Yes, I want to improve technology at the LDT!
With your help, the technology team can install equipment to keep instruments at the Lowell Discovery Telescope very cold as well as vibration-free.
If you have any questions please contact Rachel Edelstein at redelstein@lowell.edu or at 928.255.0229.
Do you want to learn more about keeping astronomical instruments cold?
The Old Way of Cooling Instruments
Early on, astronomical instruments and the electronic detectors inside of them were kept cold using dry ice (-79 C or -110 F) or even colder options like liquid nitrogen (-196 C or -320 F) or liquid helium (-243 C or -406 F). Those temperatures are nice and cold, but…
The Middle Way of Cooling Instruments
“Closed cycle” coolers are now available to cool instruments, and they are simpler systems with less maintenance needs. No daily liquid cryogen fills are required, and there is basically no worry about ice plugs in your system leading to a destructive failure…
The Current Way of Cooling Instruments
Entirely self-contained closed cycle coolers are now available for science instruments. They are used a TON on space missions (likely close to or over 100 at this point) and are highly effective still on Earth…