Setting the limits of deep space research telescopes
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High in the arid Atacama Desert , a new observatory is aiming to answer big questions about our universe . Currently under construction , the Simons Observatory will study the cosmic microwave background ( CMB ) - the radiation signature of the Big Bang . The observatory will include telescopes and antennas manufactured by CPI VERTEX ANTENNENTECHNIK GmbH , which feature Stromag Series HGE and HEG Geared Cam Limit Switches to limit their movements as they observe deep space . To infinity , and beyond
Telescopes and antennas around the world are constantly scanning the night sky , observing across the electromagnetic spectrum as part of ground-breaking research into the nature of our universe . While the first telescopes relied solely on visible light , now observatories can detect radio and microwaves . An area that has spurred intense research is the CMB , a remnant of the Big Bang . Highly sensitive telescopes and antennas located far from sources of electromagnetic interference ( EMI ) observe deep space at this spectrum to research the creation , expansion and composition of our universe .
As the Earth rotates , telescopes and antennas must move axially and elevate to keep aligned with a particular observed section of the sky . In addition , in some cases the dishes and receivers must be rotated to ensure accurate reception of signals from space . The rotating ranges of the telescopes are limited because of cabling , cooling hoses and mechanical constraints , which is where Stromag Geared Cam Limit Switches come in .
The outer limit Marco Niehnus , Global Product Manager Controls at Stromag , explains : “ We are a global manufacturer of power transmission solutions and a leading brand of Altra Industrial Motion Corp . At our facility in Unna ,
Germany , we manufacture a wide range of geared cam limit switches , which are designed to provide slowing and stopping functionality at pre-set limits . Typically , these devices are used on cranes to limit the movement of loads , but one of our customers , CPI VERTEX ANTENNENTECHNIK GmbH , uses our products on its telescopes and antenna for space research .”
CPI VERTEX ANTENNENTECHNIK GmbH is a worldwide supplier for ground stations , precision antenna systems and radio telescopes . An expert in this field , the business provides systems to space agencies and leading academic research projects . Located in Duisburg , Germany , CPI VERTEX ANTENNENTECHNIK GmbH utilises Stromag Geared Cam Limit Switches to protect the highly sensitive equipment from damage in case of malfunction , for example , after component failures . Thus , the Stromag Geared Cam Limit Switches are important elements within the telescopes .
“ We work closely with the design and engineering teams at CPI VERTEX ANTENNENTECHNIK GmbH to help specify limit switches on a project-by-project basis ,” Marco continues . “ Typically limit switches are required to limit the axial rotation , the elevation and the polarisation movements of the system . As part of this technical relationship , CPI VERTEX ANTENNENTECHNIK GmbH contacted us to provide limit switches for equipment destined for a new observatory being built in Chile .”
He who controls the scope The Simons Observatory is being constructed at 5,200 meters ( 17,000 ft ) inside the Chajnantor Science Preserve , making it one of the highest telescope installations the world . It will join the operational Atacama Cosmology Telescope ( ACT ) and the Simons Array to aid in the next generation of CMB research , adding several new telescopes1 and cameras with state-ofthe-art detector arrays . The observatory is operated and funded by the Simons Foundation , which includes the University of Pennsylvania ; Princeton University ; the University of California , San Diego ; the University of California , Berkeley ; and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory , as well as other institutions worldwide2 .