Tpoint

TPoint is computer software that implements a mathematical model of conditions leading to errors in telescope pointing and tracking. The model can then be used in a telescope control system to correct the pointing and tracking. Such errors are typically caused by mechanical or structural defects and environmental factors such as atmospheric refraction. For example, Tpoint can discover and compensate for repetitive errors such as poor polar alignment, mechanical and optical non-orthogonality, lack of roundness in telescope mounting drive gears, as well as for flexure of the mounting caused by gravity. Tpoint is in use on the majority of professional telescopes worldwide, including the Anglo-Australian Observatory, Keck Observatory, Gemini Observatory, and many others. It has significantly improved the performance and efficiency of telescope operation, and has had an especially strong impact on the development of automated and robotic telescopes. Tpoint is also widely used by amateur astronomers. Software Bisque distributes TPoint for Windows; this version is used to improve the pointing on amateur telescopes.

TPoint was invented and developed by Patrick T. Wallace.