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This is sad news. I had been corresponding with Ron for the past couple of years with regard to my setting up an automated supernova patrol system for which he had freely and generously given advice and assistance in setting one up. I’m just about there and was trying to sort out some reliable software for the actual detection process.
We should search the night sky for with his passing there must be a new supernova somewhere waiting for detection.
Eric
Grant, If you control your camera via he sky X you should be able to do an automated T point run using image link. I do so with my SB ME mounts. Takes me about an hour to get 200 – 300 stars. I would have thought that once you have a working model, synchronizing on a star at the start of each session would get you going. The Paramounts are “homed” on a predetermined point at the start of each session which I think is similar to synchronizing Eric
Paul,
Indeed spectroscopy appears to be a growing and expanding area. It is something I would like to do. At the moment I’m not in a position to do so, but would like to learn. As far as I’m aware there are no remote rental facilities which could be used.
I’ve just acquired a rather nice 0.5m F:5 Newtonian reflector with Surrier truss OTA which I will erect next spring/summer and I would like to dedicate some imaging time to spectroscopy.
David,
it is good to read that the idea of a BAA remote telescope is not closed. I had been under the impression it had been ” kicked into touch”
Eric
Robin a good suggestion. Some access to the southern skies would be useful as would be these use of a spectroscope. The underlying question would be how much finance would be available to purchase suitable equipment that could be hosted at existing rental sites. The telescope could be set up and maintained by the site hosting staff. After set up there would be fees for maintaining the equipment. When not in use the equipment could be “rented out” to bring in additional income. The purchase of equipment could possibly be supported by gifts, discount and advertising by equipment suppliers. Discounts could be given to members wishing to use the telescope for non-research or approved imaging.
I’m sure there would be useful input for the general idea amongst the membership.
Eric
Roger in many respects I’d agree, particularly if the whole set up was geared towards science rather than pretty picture imaging as many of the remote robotic private enterprises are. I have some reservations with regard to schools etc they already have access to the Faulkes telescope set up. There seems to be little available to the “scientific amateur astronomer”. That said, some availability to schools, colleges and local astronomical societies could be used in attracting or supporting financial funding or grants, e.g. the national lottery grants.
The idea has apparently been mooted and discussed within the decision making circles of the BAA and been rejected. An alternative could be to provide financial assistance to approved projects from members for time on remote robotic telescopes. This has been done in the past, and I have received such assistance for which I am grateful. However, this facility has been suspended and left apparently dormant.
I note that the AAVSO has access to a number of professional observatories with reasonably sized telescopes; a route for variable star observers?
Regards,
Eric
Roger in many respects I’d agree, particularly if the whole set up was geared towards science rather than pretty picture imaging as many of the remote robotic private enterprises are. I have some reservations with regard to schools etc they already have access to the Faulkes telescope set up. There seems to be little available to the “scientific amateur astronomer”. That said, some availability to schools, colleges and local astronomical societies could be used in attracting or supporting financial funding or grants, e.g. the national lottery grants.
The idea has apparently been mooted and discussed within the decision making circles of the BAA and been rejected. An alternative could be to provide financial assistance to approved projects from members for time on remote robotic telescopes. This has been done in the past, and I have received such assistance for which I am grateful. However, this facility has been suspended and left apparently dormant.
I note that the AAVSO has access to a number of professional observatories with reasonably sized telescopes; a route for variable star observers?
Regards,
Eric
Grant, that’s a good question. I gave up taking it a few years back the content was no longer of any interest to me and never received more than the one quick read over breakfast coffee. I too would be interested as to what the content is like these days. I’ve not seen one on a magazine self locally to check out for some years,
Eric
Paul,
I dunno if it’s not rain clouds, forest fires or dust storms it would have to be volcanic clouds and dust to keep us astronomers from observing. I hope conditions remain only as interesting for you Paul.
I would be interested in how the activity progresses.
keep safe, Eric
Daryl, I use Galve Optics https://www.galvoptics.co.uk at Basildon, Essex and have found them ok. About a 3 week turn around. I drop off and collect the mirrors.
Eric
Have it on my shelf Bill. Used it for my masters, over 20 years ago. Not for sale though.
The book under discussion looks good though.
Cheers,
Eric
Hi Paul, I’m in a similar position. I have just bought a 100 line star analyser which I’d like to try out on my 16 Newt. So would be interested in the advice you get.
Regards,
Eric
Whilst test running a new 2nd main telescope (16″, F:6 Newt) I was able to image the new Nova in Hercules, using a Moravian MkII 3200ME camera, 2x binning and a 1 sec exposure
Max,
Though I mentioned comets asteroids may be more appropriate in my case, I’ll dig out examples of both.
Thanks,
Eric
Max,
It appears you have developed an interesting and useful piece of software. Does it have the capability to automatically perform photometry on a time sequence series of images, if so can it follow the motion of the asteroid or comet through out the sequence. It’s the lack of this facility with Astrometrica that I miss when producing photometry on a time series run of images. Having to do photometry one at a time of a run of what could be several hours is time consuming.
Best wishes, Eric
Colin, thanks for taking the time to reply.
I tried some more imaging sessions last night and had no obvious vibration effects on images. I not sure if there was less traffic passing – I had also tightened up the RA and Dec axis slackness a little, there has to be a little on the ME otherwise it jams when slewing. I’ve read a lot about adding sand, but no reports actual improvement of before and after sand. Have you actually tried this method. The pier does not sound a ringing tone when struck . I shall try out your suggestions.
Eric
Martin,
thanks for your comments and link to the calculators I shall have a play with these. I have read that road traffic vibration frequencies are about 7 Hz. I have seen some discs that have threaded bolts isolated from each other within the discs so that I may be able to bolt down onto the pier and also bolt down the mount adapter plate so that the system is isolated with the mount resting on 4 such pads. There are rubber discs of various sizes, the Sorbothane of this type are smaller.
Eric
Thanks for the info Paul. The ror observatory is built and the pier positions already set. It would mean a total re-build and positioning. I have another smaller set up in the same observatory and could try filling that pier, which has an open top, with sand an see how that performs.
Eric
