{"product_id":"rc20-telescope","title":"PlaneWave RC24 F\/10.6 OTA","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"317\" data-start=\"250\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"317\" data-start=\"250\"\u003ePlaneWave RC24 – 24-Inch Ritchey-Chrétien Optical Tube Assembly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"806\" data-start=\"319\"\u003eThe 24-inch Ritchey-Chrétien Optical Tube Assembly (RC24) from PlaneWave Instruments is a masterpiece of optical engineering, built for advanced astronomers and professional observatories seeking precision, contrast, and scalability. Utilizing a classic RC optical configuration, the RC24 is optimized for producing sharp, high-resolution images with minimal optical aberrations—making it ideal for deep-sky astrophotography, spectroscopy, satellite tracking, and research-grade imaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1153\" data-start=\"808\"\u003eConstructed with fused silica optics and a carbon fiber optical tube, the RC24 offers superior thermal stability, reduced expansion, and long-term structural rigidity in even the most demanding environments. Designed for seamless integration with PlaneWave’s direct drive mount systems, the RC24 is a versatile solution for modern observatories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"1158\" data-start=\"1155\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1182\" data-start=\"1160\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1182\" data-start=\"1160\"\u003eKey Specifications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1510\" data-start=\"1184\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOptical Design:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ritchey-Chrétien (RC)\u003cbr data-end=\"1224\" data-start=\"1221\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClear Aperture:\u003c\/strong\u003e 610mm (24 in)\u003cbr data-end=\"1256\" data-start=\"1253\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFocal Ratio:\u003c\/strong\u003e f\/10.6\u003cbr data-end=\"1278\" data-start=\"1275\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFocal Length:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6459mm\u003cbr data-end=\"1301\" data-start=\"1298\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBack Focus:\u003c\/strong\u003e 394.24mm from mounting surface\u003cbr data-end=\"1346\" data-start=\"1343\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMirror Material:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fused silica\u003cbr data-end=\"1378\" data-start=\"1375\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOTA Material:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carbon fiber – lightweight and rigid\u003cbr data-end=\"1431\" data-start=\"1428\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDew Control:\u003c\/strong\u003e Delta-T ready with built-in primary and secondary mirror heaters\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"1515\" data-start=\"1512\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1547\" data-start=\"1517\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1547\" data-start=\"1517\"\u003ePerformance \u0026amp; Applications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1735\" data-start=\"1549\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1577\" data-start=\"1549\"\u003e- High-Contrast Imaging:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1580\" data-start=\"1577\"\u003eThe RC optical design minimizes optical aberrations such as coma and spherical distortion, enabling detailed, high-contrast imaging across a large field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1916\" data-start=\"1737\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1769\" data-start=\"1737\"\u003e- Scientific Research Ready:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1772\" data-start=\"1769\"\u003eWith a 24-inch aperture and precise f\/10.6 ratio, the RC24 is ideal for photometry, astrometry, spectroscopy, and long-exposure deep-sky work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2116\" data-start=\"1918\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1952\" data-start=\"1918\"\u003e- Stable \u0026amp; Rigid Construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1955\" data-start=\"1952\"\u003eThe carbon fiber OTA paired with fused silica optics ensures minimal thermal expansion, delivering consistent focus and image quality during extended sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2279\" data-start=\"2118\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2152\" data-start=\"2118\"\u003e- Advanced Thermal Management:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2155\" data-start=\"2152\"\u003eIntegrated Delta-T dew control system actively prevents dew buildup, ensuring clear optical surfaces throughout the night.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2504\" data-start=\"2281\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2311\" data-start=\"2281\"\u003e- Observatory Integration:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2314\" data-start=\"2311\"\u003ePerfectly suited for pairing with PlaneWave’s L-600 and L-700 series mounts, the RC24 offers a scalable platform for research institutions, defense applications, and private observatories.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PlaneWave Instruments","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49937788698912,"sku":"200123Q","price":99500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0849\/2135\/2480\/files\/image_2025-09-16_102608431.png?v=1758043568","url":"https:\/\/firstlightastro.com\/products\/rc20-telescope","provider":"First Light Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}