Experiments with High-Sensitivity Image Orthicons I.
John Spalding, John F. Dugan, Curtis L. Hemenway · The Astronomical Journal · 1961
We are continuing to explore the various characteristics of high-sensitivity image orthicons coupled to several different kinds of telescopes. Preliminary experiments with our system coupled to a 12-inch refractor indicate that useful studies concerning seeing can be made since the high sensitivity allows short exposures to be made and the electronic image processing permits exposures to be made in rapid sequence. The short-exposure technique appears to be useful for photographs of planetary detail formerly available only to visual observers. The equipment was coupled to an 8-inch meridian circle, and transits were observed and recorded. These experiments suggest that the taking of mendia~ data could be fully automated with the aid of:~~dern electronic data-processing techniques. ObserVer errors could be elimated by such techniques. The observer would also be freed from much dull repetitive Work. Movies~~ typical exposures have been made.