# Introducing the Condor Array Telescope. 1. Motivation, Configuration, and Performance

**Authors:** Kenneth M. Lanzetta, Stefan Gromoll, Michael M. Shara, Stephen Berg, David Valls-Gabaud, Frederick M. Walter, John K. Webb  
**arXiv:** [2301.06301](https://arxiv.org/abs/2301.06301)  
**Date:** 2023-01-16  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/arxiv-id/2301.06301v1/

## Key points

- The Condor Array Telescope is a state-of-the-art astronomical instrument designed for high-performance observations.
- It consists of six apochromatic refracting telescopes with an objective diameter of 180 mm.
- Equipped with large-format CMOS cameras with low read noise and rapid read times.
- Located at the Dark Sky New Mexico observatory near Animas, providing optimal observations with minimal light pollution.
- Wide field of view measuring approximately $2.29 \times 1.53$ deg$^2$ or 3.50 deg$^2$, allowing efficient capture of point sources and extended low-surface-brightness features.
- Can operate at a fast cadence of 60 seconds in broad-band imaging mode while remaining sky-noise limited with a duty cycle close to 100%.
- Acquires broad-band exposures with an exposure time of 60 seconds over dwell times spanning dozens or hundreds of hours, enabling deep and sensitive images while monitoring thousands of point sources per field.
- Equipped with diffraction gratings and narrow-band filters for addressing a wide range of science issues.
- Offers unique capabilities that access unexplored regions of "astronomical discovery space" and opens up new possibilities for astronomical research.

## Summary

The "Condor Array Telescope" or "Condor" is a state-of-the-art astronomical instrument designed for high-performance observations. It consists of six apochromatic refracting telescopes, each with an objective diameter of 180 mm. These telescopes are equipped with large-format CMOS cameras that have very low read noise (approximately 1.2 e$^-$) and rapid read times (less than 1 second). Located at the Dark Sky New Mexico observatory near Animas, in the southwest corner of New Mexico, Condor benefits from a very dark astronomical site. It is situated roughly midway between Tucson and El Paso, more than 150 km away from either city, providing optimal observations with minimal light pollution. One of Condor's key features is its wide field of view, which measures approximately $2.29 \times 1.53$ deg$^2$ or 3.50 deg$^2$. This wide field of view enables the telescope to capture both point sources and extended, very low-surface-brightness features efficiently. In broad-band imaging mode, Condor can operate at a cadence as fast as 60 seconds while remaining sky-noise limited with a duty cycle close to 100%. In its normal mode of operation, Condor acquires broad-band exposures with an exposure time of 60 seconds over dwell times spanning dozens or hundreds of hours. This approach allows the telescope to build up deep and sensitive images while simultaneously monitoring tens or even hundreds of thousands of point sources per field at a cadence of 60 seconds. Additionally, Condor is equipped with diffraction gratings and a set of narrow-band filters that include He II 468.6 nm, [O III] 500.7 nm, He I 587.5 nm, H$\alpha$ 656.3 nm, [N II] 658.4 nm, and [S II] 671.6 nm; this configuration enables the telescope to address a wide range of broad- and narrow-band science issues. The unique capabilities offered by Condor allow it to access regions of "astronomical discovery space" that have never been studied before; by combining its advanced technology, wide field of view, and efficient observing strategy it opens up new possibilities for astronomical research.