Technical performance and first light of the new 1.5-meter telescope at the National Astronomical Observatory Rozhen

Abstract

A new 1.5-meter Ritchey-Chretien telescope has been inaugurated as part of the observational equipment of the Institute of Astronomy and the National Astronomical Observatory Rozhen (IANAO) at the Bulgarian Academy of Science (BAS). The telescope, designed with advanced optical and mechanical components, aims to enhance observational capabilities from NAO Rozhen. Here, we present the initial tests and setup procedures conducted for the new telescope and we describe the assembly process, alignment procedures, and calibration techniques implemented to ensure optimal performance. The tests involved nighttime observations and preliminary results highlight the successful alignment of the telescope's optics, the stability of its tracking mechanism, and the establishment of an efficient data acquisition workflow. The findings from these initial tests provide valuable insights into the telescope's capabilities and help us to set up a fully robotic telescope for observational campaigns and scientific research. This new observational instrument will primarily perform photometric and astrometric tasks. However, there is also the possibility of conducting low-dispersion spectral observations.