The Alt-Az Initiative is a catalyst for the development of low cost, lightweight, modest aperture (2 meters and less) alt-az research telescopes.  To date, two full conference, six two-day workshops, and a number of observatory visits have been completed.  Nearly a dozen technical initiatives have been completed or are underway, and one low cost, lightweight, technical demonstration telescope with lightweight mirrors, a lightweight structure, and direct drives has been completed.  A 40-chapter book, based on these meetings, initiatives, and demonstration, Galileo’s Legacy: Small Telescopes and Astronomical Research, is in final editing.


Saturday, June 6 -  8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Scientific Research Programs

Talks: Alt-Az Initiative overview.   Requirements studies.  Dedicated telescope programs, automation, and networking.  Research programs, including low and high resolution fiber fed spectroscopy as well as optical, near infrared, and high speed photometry.

Panel: Research programs well suited to low cost, dedicated, 1-2 meter telescopes.

Sunday, June 7 - 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Engineering Developments

Talks: Completed and ongoing technical initiatives, including optical designs, lightweight mirrors, active primary mirror controls, and direct drive motors and controllers.  Completed and planned technical demonstration telescopes.

Panel: Future technical initiatives and technical demonstration telescopes.