The Fabra-ROA Baker-Nunn Camera at Observatori Astron\`omic del Montsec: a wide-field imaging facility for exoplanet transit detection

TL;DR

The paper describes the refurbishment of a historic Baker-Nunn Camera into a wide-field, robotic telescope at Montsec Observatory, optimized for exoplanet transit detection with high sensitivity and large field of view.

Contribution

It presents a detailed refurbishment of a historic Baker-Nunn Camera into a modern, wide-field, robotic telescope for exoplanet transit observations.

Findings

Largest FOV (4.4°x4.4°) among similar telescopes

A limiting magnitude of V~20 achieved

Suitable for high signal-to-noise exoplanet transit detection

Abstract

A number of Baker-Nunn Camera (BNC) were manufactured by Smithsonian Institution during the 60s as optical tracking systems for artificial satellites with optimal optical and mechanical specifications. One of them was installed at the Real Instituto y Observatorio de la Armada (ROA). We have conducted a profound refurbishment project of the telescope to be installed at Observatori Astron\`omic del Montsec (OAdM). As a result, the BNC offers the largest combination of a huge FOV (4.4$\deg$x4.4$\deg$) and aperture (leading to a limiting magnitude of V$\sim$20). These specifications, together with their remote and robotic natures, allows this instrument to face an observational program of exoplanets detection by means of transit technique with high signal-to-noise ratio in the appropiate magnitude range.