pt5m - a 0.5m robotic telescope on La Palma
L. K. Hardy (1), T. Butterley (2), V. S. Dhillon (1, 3), S. P., Littlefair (1), R. W. Wilson (2) ((1) Department of Physics, Astronomy,, University of Sheffield, UK, (2) Centre for Advanced Instrumentation,, Department of Physics, University of Durham, UK
TL;DR
pt5m is a robotic 0.5m telescope on La Palma enabling high-quality, automated observations for transient and time-resolved astronomy, demonstrated by exoplanet radius measurement.
Contribution
This paper introduces the design, specifications, and scientific capabilities of pt5m, a robotic telescope integrated with the WHT at La Palma.
Findings
Measured exoplanet WASP-33b radius as 1.603 +/- 0.014 R(J)
Demonstrated successful robotic operation since 2012
Supported transient follow-up and time-resolved studies
Abstract
pt5m is a 0.5m robotic telescope located on the roof of the 4.2m William Herschel Telescope (WHT) building, at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, La Palma. Using a 5-position filter wheel and CCD detector, and bespoke control software, pt5m provides a high quality robotic observing facility. The telescope first began robotic observing in 2012, and is now contributing to transient follow-up and time-resolved astronomical studies. In this paper we present the scientific motivation behind pt5m, as well as the specifications and unique features of the facility. We also present an example of the science we have performed with pt5m, where we measure the radius of the transiting exoplanet WASP-33b. We find a planetary radius of 1.603 +/- 0.014 R(J).
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