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do you guys check the sky at all hours of the night?
- pj30something
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- Super Giant
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16 years 3 months ago #62006
by pj30something
Paul C
My next scope is going to be a Vixen VMC200L Catadioptric OTA
Replied by pj30something on topic Re: do you guys check the sky at all hours of the night?
Nothing like a minor disagreement when the forecast is looking good
Ahhhhh the secret to a good relationship
Ahhhhh the secret to a good relationship
Paul C
My next scope is going to be a Vixen VMC200L Catadioptric OTA
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- DaveGrennan
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- IFAS Astronomer of the Year 2010
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16 years 3 months ago #62032
by DaveGrennan
Eventually almost everything.
Take tonight for example. As I type the observatory is taking its 82nd galaxy image of the night.
I created a database of the entire PGC galaxy catalogue and wrote some access macros which select all galaxies which meet certain criteria, i.e. must within a certain range of RA and DEC and below a predefined magnitude threshold. I just uploaded these to the observatory and off it goes on its merry little way.
The process is then;
Slew to target.
Check image is centred.
If not correct pointing.
Start autoguider
Image target.
Check image was actually centered
Move to next object.
Rinse and repeat.
All aspects of the kit, including changing filters, autoguiding etc are under its control. When I get my focusser built, it will even do that for me.
If I chose to take multiple images of each target, the software would even align and stack them for me.
If you have the equipment, the software will even monitor the weather and close up shop if it considers it risky.
In short there are no end to the possibilities.
The only thing I'm doing manually is comparing these images to reference images downloaded from the Palomar Sky Survey. Eventually I'll figure out how to automate that and only return frames with suspect objects
Regards and Clear Skies,
Dave.
J41 - Raheny Observatory.
www.webtreatz.com
Equipment List here
Replied by DaveGrennan on topic Re: do you guys check the sky at all hours of the night?
Dave / Eamonn
Yer set ups sound impressive!
How much automation are we talking about here?
Eventually almost everything.
Take tonight for example. As I type the observatory is taking its 82nd galaxy image of the night.
I created a database of the entire PGC galaxy catalogue and wrote some access macros which select all galaxies which meet certain criteria, i.e. must within a certain range of RA and DEC and below a predefined magnitude threshold. I just uploaded these to the observatory and off it goes on its merry little way.
The process is then;
Slew to target.
Check image is centred.
If not correct pointing.
Start autoguider
Image target.
Check image was actually centered
Move to next object.
Rinse and repeat.
All aspects of the kit, including changing filters, autoguiding etc are under its control. When I get my focusser built, it will even do that for me.
If I chose to take multiple images of each target, the software would even align and stack them for me.
If you have the equipment, the software will even monitor the weather and close up shop if it considers it risky.
In short there are no end to the possibilities.
The only thing I'm doing manually is comparing these images to reference images downloaded from the Palomar Sky Survey. Eventually I'll figure out how to automate that and only return frames with suspect objects
Regards and Clear Skies,
Dave.
J41 - Raheny Observatory.
www.webtreatz.com
Equipment List here
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- dogstar
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- Main Sequence
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16 years 3 months ago #62035
by dogstar
oh wise man why is the universe so perfect?ah because symmetry loves herself.
____________________________
11" sct,
various Apo refractors,
various cameras,
Losmandy mount.
Replied by dogstar on topic Re: do you guys check the sky at all hours of the night?
Hey Dave that's pretty neat but if you keep going at this rate your going to need somebody to program you :lol:
oh wise man why is the universe so perfect?ah because symmetry loves herself.
____________________________
11" sct,
various Apo refractors,
various cameras,
Losmandy mount.
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- Frank Ryan
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- Super Giant
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16 years 3 months ago #62071
by Frank Ryan
My Astrophotography
Shannonside Astronomy Club __________________________________________
Meade ETX-125PE, Bresser 10 x 50 Binos & Me Peepers
Replied by Frank Ryan on topic Re: do you guys check the sky at all hours of the night?
:shock:
Thats some automation lads!
How much extra gear is required bar the ususal to
do all this for ye?
I'd say it's endless.
Thats some automation lads!
How much extra gear is required bar the ususal to
do all this for ye?
I'd say it's endless.
My Astrophotography
Shannonside Astronomy Club __________________________________________
Meade ETX-125PE, Bresser 10 x 50 Binos & Me Peepers
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