Special configuration of a very large Schmidt telescope for extensive astronomical spectroscopic observation

A special reflecting Schmidt telescope is used to observe celestial objects. The telescope has an aperture of 4 m, f ratio of 5, and a 5 degrees field of view. Its optical axis is fixed and tilted 25 degrees to the horizontal that runs from south to north. The celestial objects were observed for 1.5 h as they passed through the meridian. The shape of the reflecting Schmidt plate has to be changed with each different declination delta and in the tracking process. This is achieved with active optics. The sky area to be observed is -10 degrees less than or equal to delta less than or equal to +90 degrees. There are plans to place similar to 4000 optical fibers on the telescope focal surface that will lead to a dozen spectrographs. (C) 1996 Optical Society of America