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

Abstract

A number of Baker-Nunn Camera (BNC) were manufactured by Smithsonian Institution during the 60’s 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 Astronòmic del Montsec (OAdM) (Fors 2009). As a result, the BNC offers the largest combination of a huge FOV (4.4°×4.4°) and aperture (leading to a limiting magnitude of V∼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.