Celestron RASA Rowe Ackermann 14" Schmidt Astrograph OTA

The Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA), is a cost-effective optical system for space surveillance, Space Situational Awareness (SSA), other scientific applications, and advanced wide field astroimaging. It offers unprecedented value in aperture, speed, field of view, and optical performance. The RASA design has a convenient external prime-focus image capture location with a flat focal plane, providing small spot sizes to the edge of a wide field. The result is images free of optical defects like field curvature, off-axis coma, and astigmatism.

The 36 cm aperture version is the largest RASA Celestron manufactures; it is the biggest and fastest (f/2.2) optical instrument of its kind available “off-the-shelf.” Unlike most telescopes, which only focus visible light (400-700 nm), the RASA 36 cm focuses an extended spectral range (400-900 nm), allowing a brighter signal to be detected by a camera sensor. The RASA 36 cm also features a redesigned focus system, which ensures easy and stable focusing.

RASA 36 cm’s ample back-focus distance (77.5 mm) accommodates a wide variety of imaging sensors. A custom camera adapter can be added for a field of view up to 4.4 degrees.

Important freight requirement – RASA 36 is a professional-caliber, high-precision instrument. It is manufactured and aligned to an exacting standard to provide exceptional optical performance. The telescope has been packaged to ensure it retains alignment and resulting performance during transport. However, due to the weight, size, and known stresses of shipping via parcel service, Celestron has determined that the ideal transport is a palletized delivery.

Additional Features
Celestron’s proprietary XLT coatings, consisting of high-transmission multi-coatings for lenses and high reflectivity aluminum coatings, ensure good light throughput for the optical system
Integrated cooling fan helps optics cool down to ambient temperature and pulls air through vents with micromesh to prevent dust ingress
Dual dovetail bars offer flexibility to mount the optical tube and conveniently attach additional accessories. Accomodates “CGE/Losmandy” style dovetails.
Two sets of 2x threaded insert holes in the rear cell provide additional mounting options
Move and mount your optical tube with ease with carrying handles on the rear cell
Although not normally needed, there are 3x sets of push-pull screws to adjust the lens group to achieve optical alignment for the entire system
Includes M48 camera adapter
Motor system specifically designed for the RASA 36 cm focuser is manufactured by Starlight Instruments.

OPTICAL TUBE INFO:
Optical Design Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph
Aperture 355.6mm (14")
Focal Length 790mm (31.1")
Focal Ratio f/2.2
Central obstruction diameter 158mm (6.22")(44% of aperture diameter)
Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye) 2581X
Resolution (Rayleigh) 0.39 arc seconds
Resolution (Dawes) 0.36 arc seconds
Image circle 60.1mm (2.36") Ø, 4.4°
Useable field 70mm (2.75") Ø, 5.1°, only minimal performance loss at edge of FOV
Wavelength range 400 – 900 nm
Spot size < 6.3 μm RMS across FOV
Optical coatings Enhanced aluminum, XLT multi-coatings used throughout
Off-axis Illumination 83% at 30mm (1.18") off-axis
Optical window 104mm (4.09") Ø
Back focus with included camera adapter 55mm (2.16")
Back focus from top of threaded collar 77.5mm (3.05")
Optical Tube Aluminum
Optical Tube Length 1079.5mm (42.5")
Optical Tube Diameter 406.4mm (16")
Focuser New focuser design, minimizes focus shift
Finderscope Not included
Optical Tube Weight 75 lbs (34.02 kg)
Other features Ventilation fan, dual dovetail mounting bars
Included items 48mm (1.89") camera adapter, fan battery pack

Some items that are showing as in stock are in stock at our holding warehouses, not at the shop. To double check the stock levels at the shop, please contact us on 01909774369 or sales@rothervalleyoptics.co.uk.

The delivery times for most items is 1 - 2 days but again, please double check stock levels on important orders before placing an order via the website.

The delivery costs for courier next day are for mainland UK only. If you live in the Scottish Highlands/Islands, Channel Islands or Northern Ireland, then a shipping surchage will apply. please contact us for prices. Smaller items can still go 1st class via Royal Mail.

Please note that if you are wanting to take advantage of our Saturday and Sunday timed services or next day pre 12 or pre 10:30 services, you MUST check that the stock is here at the shop before placing orders. Also, orders using the Saturday and Sunday services must be placed before 2pm the previous working day. Also, please remember to check that the stock is here at the shop before placing orders. If the stock is not at the shop, we won't be able to ship on any of the timed services. 

Please note International customers will need to contact us for a shipping price prior to ordering via the website. This all depends on the size and weight of the items. Please get in touch with us for any postage costs. Please note we do NOT ship telescopes or heavy items outside of the UK. This is due to massive postage costs and problems regarding returns.

If you have any questions regarding stock levels or delivery, please get in touch.

Rother Valley Optics now have a loyalty point scheme active on the website. As you can see from the products, every item has a point value. Each pound you spend with us, you will receive 1 loyalty point. 1 point is worth 1p. You can accumulate these points as you shop with us, then when you are over £5, you can spend them on the website! Easy as that.

Even if you collect most of your items from our shop, you can still order via the website and select the "shop collection" delivery option. Then you can come to our shop, collect your item and still get your points!

Please note this scheme is online only. Customers who order via the telephone can still be added to the scheme manually. Please ask for more details on this. Before placing orders online, please make sure you are registered with us first otherwise your points won't be allocated.

So happy shopping and if you have any questions about the scheme or any other queries, please get in touch.

Rother Valley Optics

01909774369
sales@rothervalleyoptics.co.uk

Finance is now available on most products above £250! We offer 12, 24, 36 and 48 months with a fixed 15.9% typical APR. Please note this can't be done through the website at this moment in time. You will need to email us or drop into the shop to sort out finance. As long as the item is above £250, finance is generally available!

Please note some items are NOT eligible for finance. Please contact us for eligibility first. 

Please get in touch with us today to find out if you're applicable.

You must be over 18 years to apply, live in the UK, have a valid UK bank account and not be bankrupt. Your credit file will be searched on application to see if you are eligible.

Rother Valley Optics Ltd is registered in England and Wales 04762707. Registered Office: 21 Station Road, Kiveton Park, Rotherham, S26 6QP. Rother Valley Optics Ltd acts as a credit broker only. Rother Valley Optics Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conducts Authority. Credit provided subject to age and status..

If you have any questions about this, simply give us a ring or drop into the shop for a chat.

- - - Rother Valley Optics Ltd

01909 774 369
sales@rothervalleyoptics.co.uk