Definition

1. Noun:
   • A reflecting telescope so constructed that the light is led to a plate holder or spectrograph: A specific optical configuration in a telescope where the light path is redirected via a series of mirrors to a fixed focal point, typically to accommodate heavy or stationary observational instruments like cameras or spectrographs.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The observatory's primary instrument is a telescope equipped with a coude system.
  • For high-resolution spectroscopy, astronomers often prefer a telescope with a coude system because the instruments remain stationary.

Advanced Usage

• "Coude focus": The fixed focal point in a coude system where the light is directed for analysis.
  • The spectrograph is mounted at the coude focus to ensure stability during long exposures.

Variants and Related Words

• Coude telescope (n): A telescope that utilizes a coude optical system.
  • The large coude telescope is primarily used for detailed spectral analysis of stars.

Synonyms

• Fixed-focus telescope system: A descriptive term for an optical system where the final focus is stationary.

Notes on Meaning

• The term "coude system" is highly specialized and used almost exclusively in the field of astronomy and optical engineering. It refers to the mechanical and optical design of the telescope, not to the telescope itself as a whole. The key characteristic is the redirection of light to a fixed point, independent of the telescope's movement.

Noun

1. a reflecting telescope so constructed that the light is led to a plate holder or spectrograph