Detection of Double Stars with the Two-Color Refractometer

Abstract

Attempts to detect double stars are being made with the Two-Color Refractometer (TCR). The refractometer is an instrument developed by the Quantum Electronics Group of the University of Maryland to measure atmospheric refraction.

During check-out observations using the U.S. Naval Observatory’s (USNO’s) 24“ reflecting telescope, the refractometer is being used to detect the astrometric separation of the ultraviolet and red photocenters of the combined light from a double star, differentially referenced to nearby stars. The refractometer contains two dispersive wedges which null the incoming dispersion; the positions of the wedges then provide a measure of the dispersion of the incoming light. The angular part of this measure immediately gives the position angle of the double. The angular distance between the two components of the pair is a combined function of the measured quantity and of the magnitude and color differences of the components of the double star, and is therefore obtainable only with additional information.