David's Astronomy Pages Notes - Session 931 (2021-11-03)

Notes (S930)

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Notes (S932)

	Session Aims & Highlights
	- Observing Result  - Night Summary Plot  - Session Event Log
	Operational Issues
	- Critical Issues (0),  Major Issues (1),  Minor Issues (1),  Small Defects (6),  Continuous Improvement (9)
	Images from 2021-11-03 >>         [ Local Files >> ]
	DeviceHub 6.5.1.7
	2021-11-08
	Observatory Dome - Wall Sealant Fix

Session Aims & Highlights (2021-11-03)

Main aims

1. Targets.  Acquire images of a selection of variable stars, nearby stars, comets & deep sky targets as allowed by time & conditions.
2. DeviceHub.  Perform live test of new 6.5.1.7 version of DeviceHub.  Check that it doesn't introduce any new issues.
3. Proper Motion. Perform live test of new feature that utilises ProperMotion calculation in Target Centering for Nearby Star targets where the calculations aren't performed by TheSky6 (using HIP stars)
4. Guiding Performance. Make further guiding runs with the recently installed new Dec Motor Unit and following a couple of changes made since the S929 session
5. Best Focus Chart.  Test new feature that draws the critical focus zone as an 'error bar' for each Focus Measurement on Best Focus Chart

Equipment & Software

• 12" LX200 and ST-10XME
• 80mm APO and ZWO ASI 178MC
• CCDApp2, TheSky6, CCDSoft5, DeviceHub 6.5.1.7,  MeadeGeneric 1.3.2.367, UPB 1.5, ASCOM 6.5 SP1
• Pegasus UPB & Motor Focus, TCF-S
• SharpCap 3.2, PHD2  2.6.10
   
• AstroMain 3.46,  AstroPlan 1.27  AstroShCap 1.3.12, AstroGuard 1.6.2,  AstroVOE 1.9,  AstroSN 1.7,  AstroProtect 1.6
  (AstroWeather 1.14, AstroAllSky 3.13.1,  AstroObsCam 1.7.2 AstroLaunch 1.7.1)

Highlights

•  AstroAllSky.   A series of trial fixes to AstroAllSky (3.12.7, 3.12.8) were made through the session and eventually a version 3.12.9 was built that seems to have resolved issues with a bring in a new feature to make the program more responsive to requests for immediate measurements of sky/cloud at current scope and next target positions.  
•  DeviceHub.  New 6.5.1.7 version of DeviceHub operated ok throughtout the session and no issues arose.
•  Proper Motion.  Proper Motion retrieval from database and calculations of target positions including proper motion shown to work successfully for GCVS DXCnc (Gliese 1111) using new 3.46 version of AstroMain (supported by AstroPlan 1.27) .
•  Response to Conditions.  Observatory system (CloudSensor, AstroWeather, Obs.Manager, Dome Shutter, AstroGuard) operated perfecty in its response to showers, cloudy interval and elevated wind conditions.
•  Best Focus Chart. New feature that plots (new) CFZ as an error bar for each focus measurement works well.  Propose to enhance chart further by adding traditonal CFZ as a secondary error bar, and also add CFZ error bar to chart legend.
   
•  Targets.   Quite a few targets were imaged during the session due to interruptions due to cloud, rain and wind.
   
•  Guiding Performance.   Guiding results/charts continue to show that guiding performance for targets lying west of Meridian hadn't been improved by recent installation of new Dec, and after attempted fixes since the last S927 session have probably got even worse.  This continues to be disappointing.

Notes:

  Summary Plots & Logs

Observing Plan

Observing Result

Dome & Scope Slewing Performance

Slew/Centering Performance

Guiding Performance

Sky Conditions (Locate Frames)

Night Sky Summary Plot Top axis: Sky Brightness at Zenith (in ADU/s) Lefthand axis: Local Time (hh LT). Righthand axis: Sun Altitude (degs)

Actual Weather vs Pre-Session Weather Forecast

Session Event Log

Time     Event Detail 20:08:18 Session Monitoring AutoStart monitoring for Live Session opportunity between 20:08 & 05:18 20:08:22 Session AutoStarting Session autostarting (20:08) 20:09:06   Camera1 Connected SBIG Camera Connected (set point -20°C) 20:09:08 Session Created Live Session Created (2021-11-03 S00931, ImageSaveNum: 931001) 20:09:10   Scope Switched On Telescope Power has been switched on via UPB Powerbox. 20:10:52   Services Started Observatory Services started 20:10:59 Observatory (Auto) Observatory placed in Fully-Automated Mode 20:11:02 Session Pending Session pending (2021-11-03) 20:11:04 Session Initiating Session initiating (2021-11-03) 20:11:06   Plan Requested Observing Plan requested from AstroPlan (1.27) 20:11:49   Plan Loaded Observing Plan loaded to queue (, Plan ID: 682) 20:12:04   Camera1 Connected SBIG Camera Connected (set point -15°C) 20:12:09   Telescope Connected Telescope Connected (TheSky6) 20:12:33 Session Equilibration Session ready for dome & camera equilibration 20:13:19   Dome Opened Dome opened (opening time 45s) 20:14:09 Session Running Session running 20:14:11   Queue Started Observing Queue started (33 targets selected) 20:14:14     Target Started (NrZen) Target started (Focus Field 23, HIP 113729) 20:15:54       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 20:19:10       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 1, wide) 20:21:38       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 1) 20:22:05       Focusing Started-Foc2 Foc2 Focusing Started (Secondary Scope, using ShCap) 20:24:30       Focusing Completed Foc2 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 2, wide) 20:26:25       Focusing Completed Foc2 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 2) 20:26:46     Target Completed Target completed (Focus Field 23, HIP 113729) 20:26:48     Target Started (1/33) Target started (1/33, 61 Cyg) 20:31:36       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 20:33:51       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 3) 20:35:45     Target Completed Target completed (1/33, 61 Cyg) 20:35:47     Target Started (2/33) Target started (2/33, AT2021zkf) 20:46:16 Critical Cloud Alert Critical Cloud Alert (Obs.Manager will close the Shutter) 20:46:18   HardSuspend Called Hard Suspend is called due to Critical Conditions (cloud) 20:46:24     Target Aborted (2/33) Target aborted (2/33, AT2021zkf) due to cloud 20:46:26   Queue Paused Queue paused for Session Suspension 20:46:28   SoftSuspend Called Soft Suspend is called due to Deteriorating Conditions (reducing clarity) 20:46:30 Session Suspended Session suspended 20:47:16   Dome Closed Dome closed (closing time 50s) 20:52:02     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (2/33, AT2021zkf) due to cloud 21:01:23 Session Resuming Session resuming 21:02:08   Dome Opened Dome opened (opening time 45s) 21:02:10 Session Running Session running 21:02:12   Queue Resumed Observing Queue resumed 21:02:14     Target Started (3/33) Target started (3/33, Nova Cas 2021) 21:12:35     Target Completed Target partially completed (3/33, Nova Cas 2021) 21:12:38     Target Started (4/33) Target started (4/33, IC 190 w/SN2021abko) 21:16:42       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 21:18:38       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 4) 21:32:22     Target Completed Target partially completed (4/33, IC 190 w/SN2021abko) 21:32:25     Target Started (5/33) Target started (5/33, NGC 6627 w/SN2021abkm) 21:38:13       Focusing Skipped Foc1 focusing skipped - unable to find a star (TCF-S) 21:55:12     Target Completed Target completed (5/33, NGC 6627 w/SN2021abkm) 21:55:14     Target Started (6/33) Target started (6/33, UGC 235 w/SN2021aazm) 21:58:37       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 22:00:55       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 5) 22:17:31     Target Completed Target completed (6/33, UGC 235 w/SN2021aazm) 22:17:34     Target Started (7/33) Target started (7/33, UGC 505 w/SN2021ukt) 22:37:11     Target Completed Target partially completed (7/33, UGC 505 w/SN2021ukt) 22:37:14     Target Started (8/33) Target started (8/33, NGC 327 w/SN2021aclv) 22:43:10       Focusing Skipped Foc1 focusing skipped - star is too dim (TCF-S) 22:59:15     Target Completed Target completed (8/33, NGC 327 w/SN2021aclv) 22:59:18     Target Started (9/33) Target started (9/33, Vega) 23:00:48 Critical Cloud Alert Critical Cloud Alert (Obs.Manager will close the Shutter) 23:00:50   HardSuspend Called Hard Suspend is called due to Critical Conditions (cloud) 23:00:52     Target Aborted (9/33) Target aborted (9/33, Vega) due to cloud 23:00:54   Queue Paused Queue paused for Session Suspension 23:00:56 Session Suspended Session suspended 23:01:38   Dome Closed Dome closed (closing time 45s) 23:04:10     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (9/33, Vega) due to wind 23:16:43     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (10/33, GCVS RR Lyr) due to rain 23:23:55 Session Resuming Session resuming 23:24:30     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (11/33, Vega) due to wind 23:24:41   Dome Opened Dome opened (opening time 45s) 23:24:43 Session Running Session running 23:24:45   Queue Resumed Observing Queue resumed 23:24:47     Target Started (12/33) Target started (12/33, GCVS SS Cyg) 23:28:31       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 23:31:02       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 6) 23:36:07     Target Completed Target completed (12/33, GCVS SS Cyg) 23:39:44     Target Started (13/33) Target started (13/33, GCVS BL Lac) 23:42:14       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 23:45:28       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 7) 23:49:29     Target Completed Target completed (13/33, GCVS BL Lac) 23:50:02     Target Started (14/33) Target started (14/33, M31 w/Nova2021aceg) 23:54:39       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 23:56:30       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 8) 00:13:20     Target Completed Target completed (14/33, M31 w/Nova2021aceg) 00:13:22     Target Started (15/33) Target started (15/33, GCVS HH And) 00:16:38       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 00:19:11       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 9) 00:21:22     Target Completed Target completed (15/33, GCVS HH And) 00:21:25     Target Started (16/33) Target started (16/33, NGC 9 w/SN2021zju) 00:21:41 Critical Cloud Alert Critical Cloud Alert (Obs.Manager will close the Shutter) 00:21:43   HardSuspend Called Hard Suspend is called due to Critical Conditions (cloud) 00:21:46     Target Aborted (16/33) Target aborted (16/33, NGC 9 w/SN2021zju) due to cloud 00:21:48   Queue Paused Queue paused for Session Suspension 00:21:51 Session Suspended Session suspended 00:22:41   Dome Closed Dome closed (closing time 50s) 00:24:26 Session Resuming Session resuming 00:25:11   Dome Opened Dome opened (opening time 45s) 00:25:13 Session Running Session running 00:25:15   Queue Resumed Observing Queue resumed 00:25:17     Target Started (16/33) Target started (16/33, NGC 9 w/SN2021zju) 00:27:01 Critical Cloud Alert Critical Cloud Alert (Obs.Manager will close the Shutter) 00:27:03   HardSuspend Called Hard Suspend is called due to Critical Conditions (cloud) 00:27:05     Target Aborted (16/33) Target aborted (16/33, NGC 9 w/SN2021zju) due to cloud 00:27:07   Queue Paused Queue paused for Session Suspension 00:27:09 Session Suspended Session suspended 00:27:51   Dome Closed Dome closed (closing time 45s) 00:38:59     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (16/33, NGC 9 w/SN2021zju) due to wind 01:00:52     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (17/33, NGC 1166 w/SN2021zby) due to wind 01:22:03     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (18/33, 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko) due to wind 01:31:14     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (19/33, GCVS GK Per) due to rain 01:50:21     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (20/33, IC 357 w/AT2021fyd) due to rain 02:03:40     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (21/33, GCVS RR Tau) due to wind 02:36:13     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (22/33, NGC 2371) due to cloud 02:58:05     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (23/33, NGC 2955 w/AT2021jtt) due to wind 03:16:35     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (24/33, C/2021 A1 (Leonard)) due to wind 03:16:37 Session Resuming Session resuming 03:17:22   Dome Opened Dome opened (opening time 45s) 03:17:24 Session Running Session running 03:17:26   Queue Resumed Observing Queue resumed 03:17:37     Target Started (25/33) Target started (25/33, UGC 5751 w/AT2021abcw) 03:24:35       Focusing Skipped Foc1 focusing skipped - star is lost (TCF-S) 03:26:48 Critical Cloud Alert Critical Cloud Alert (Obs.Manager will close the Shutter) 03:26:50   HardSuspend Called Hard Suspend is called due to Critical Conditions (cloud) 03:26:56     Target Aborted (25/33) Target aborted (25/33, UGC 5751 w/AT2021abcw) due to cloud 03:26:58   Queue Paused Queue paused for Session Suspension 03:27:00 Session Suspended Session suspended 03:27:48   Dome Closed Dome closed (closing time 50s) 03:29:38 Session Resuming Session resuming 03:30:23   Dome Opened Dome opened (opening time 45s) 03:30:25 Session Running Session running 03:30:27   Queue Resumed Observing Queue resumed 03:30:29     Target Started (25/33) Target started (25/33, UGC 5751 w/AT2021abcw) 03:38:24 Critical Cloud Alert Critical Cloud Alert (Obs.Manager will close the Shutter) 03:38:26   HardSuspend Called Hard Suspend is called due to Critical Conditions (cloud) 03:38:32     Target Aborted (25/33) Target aborted (25/33, UGC 5751 w/AT2021abcw) due to cloud 03:38:34   Queue Paused Queue paused for Session Suspension 03:38:36 Session Suspended Session suspended 03:39:24   Dome Closed Dome closed (closing time 50s) 03:41:49 Session Resuming Session resuming 03:42:34   Dome Opened Dome opened (opening time 45s) 03:42:36 Session Running Session running 03:42:38   Queue Resumed Observing Queue resumed 03:42:40     Target Started (26/33) Target started (26/33, UGC 5994 w/AT2021ably) 03:44:04 Critical Cloud Alert Critical Cloud Alert (Obs.Manager will close the Shutter) 03:44:06   HardSuspend Called Hard Suspend is called due to Critical Conditions (cloud) 03:44:11     Target Aborted (26/33) Target aborted (26/33, UGC 5994 w/AT2021ably) due to cloud 03:44:13   Queue Paused Queue paused for Session Suspension 03:44:14 Session Suspended Session suspended 03:45:04   Dome Closed Dome closed (closing time 50s) 03:58:19     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (26/33, UGC 5994 w/AT2021ably) due to wind 04:03:01 Session Resuming Session resuming 04:03:46   Dome Opened Dome opened (opening time 45s) 04:03:48 Session Running Session running 04:03:50   Queue Resumed Observing Queue resumed 04:03:52     Target Started (27/33) Target started (27/33, GCVS DX Cnc) 04:08:44       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 04:10:54       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 10) 04:15:37 Critical Cloud Alert Critical Cloud Alert (Obs.Manager will close the Shutter) 04:15:39   HardSuspend Called Hard Suspend is called due to Critical Conditions (cloud) 04:15:40     Target Aborted (27/33) Target aborted (27/33, GCVS DX Cnc) due to cloud 04:15:42   Queue Paused Queue paused for Session Suspension 04:15:44 Session Suspended Session suspended 04:16:32   Dome Closed Dome closed (closing time 50s) 04:30:53     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (28/33, NGC 1569 w/AT2021aczn) due to rain 04:53:16     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (29/33, UGC 3240 w/SN2021vau) due to rain 05:09:02 Session Resuming Session resuming 05:09:45     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (30/33, C/2019 L3 (ATLAS)) due to wind 05:09:47   Dome Opened Dome opened (opening time 45s) 05:09:49 Session Running Session running 05:09:51   Queue Resumed Observing Queue resumed 05:10:32     Target Started (31/33) Target started (31/33, GCVS U Gem) 05:15:12 Critical Cloud Alert Critical Cloud Alert (Obs.Manager will close the Shutter) 05:15:14   HardSuspend Called Hard Suspend is called due to Critical Conditions (cloud) 05:15:17     Target Aborted (31/33) Target aborted (31/33, GCVS U Gem) due to cloud 05:15:19   Queue Paused Queue paused for Session Suspension 05:15:21 Session Suspended Session suspended 05:16:07   Dome Closed Dome closed (closing time 50s) 05:17:23 Session Resuming Session resuming 05:18:08   Dome Opened Dome opened (opening time 45s) 05:18:10 Session Running Session running 05:18:12   Queue Resumed Observing Queue resumed 05:18:14     Target Started (31/33) Target started (31/33, GCVS U Gem) 05:23:09     Target Completed Target completed (31/33, GCVS U Gem) 05:23:12     Target Started (32/33) Target started (32/33, CGCG 178-036 w/SN2021hfu) 05:26:08 Critical Rain Alert Critical Rain Alert (Obs.Manager will close the Shutter) 05:26:10   HardSuspend Called Hard Suspend is called due to Critical Conditions (rain) 05:26:29     Target Aborted (32/33) Target aborted (32/33, CGCG 178-036 w/SN2021hfu) due to rain 05:26:31   Queue Paused Queue paused for Session Suspension 05:26:34 Session Suspended Session suspended 05:27:23   Dome Closed Dome closed (closing time 49s) 05:38:55     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (32/33, CGCG 178-036 w/SN2021hfu) due to wind 05:45:40 Session Resuming Session resuming 05:46:25   Dome Opened Dome opened (opening time 45s) 05:46:27 Session Running Session running 05:46:29   Queue Resumed Observing Queue resumed 05:46:31     Target Started (33/33) Target started (33/33, GCVS ER UMa) 05:49:37       Focusing Skipped Foc1 focusing skipped - star is too dim (TCF-S) 05:53:39     Target Completed Target completed (33/33, GCVS ER UMa) 05:53:40   Queue Completed Job Queue completed 05:53:46 Session Closing Session closing 05:54:41   Dome Closed Dome closed (closing time 50s) 05:55:10   Dome Parked Dome parked (parking time 22s), Az: 90.0 deg 05:56:32   Telescope Parked Telescope parked (parking time 78s) 05:56:42   Telescope State Scope parked Turn scope off. (Handbox) 05:57:03   Telescope Switched Off Telescope Power has been switched off via UPB Switch. 05:57:53   Services Stopped Night Services stopped 05:57:55 Session Housekeeping Housekeeping Started (Cleanup FITS, Create Fits Summary, Transfer Files) 05:58:11 Session Finished Session Finished

Session Alerts

Time     Alert Detail -- No Alerts                --

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Operational Issues (2021-11-03, S931)

• Critical Issues (0)
• Major Issues (0)
• Minor Issues (1)
• Small Defects (6)
• Continuous Improvement (9)

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Critical Issues

• None

Major Issues

• Rain Forecast Data isn't getting through to AstroPlan's Synopsis/Scorecard and AstroMain's Obs.Manager. AstroWeather collects WeatherForecast data from DarkSky.Net or OpenWeatherMap.org and transfers data on to AstroAllSky via TCIP/IP messaging using ER record. AstroAllSky forward a version of the RainForcast onto AstroMain via TCP/IP messaging using the Synopsis record.   Issue investigated. Bug found in AstroAllSky's Forecast.ParseRecord() routine which wasn't recognising/allowing for new datasource field.   This messed up the record parsing and correct/valid data wan't been then passed onto the ObsManager.
  Fixed 2021-11-08  (AstroAllSky 3.13.4, AstroWeather  1.14.2)

Minor Issues

• Blank (reset) Session Files that are uploaded to website by AstroPlan at start of new session are not being displayed in MS Edge & IE web browsers.  This has been a common problem that can gradually goes away as new 'real' files are created and uploaded to website.  Problem may be seen in MSEdge /IE 11 on Windows Computer, and not in Safari on IPad or it can be a problem seen in MS Edge and not IE11.  Issue can be temporarily fixed by empting browser's cache. Perrmanent fix is attempted by replacing calls to My.Computer.FileSystem.CopyFile()  in ResetLiveFiles() routine with calls to a new routine CopyFileWithNewDate()  which has copies the blank file to the live folder using My.Computer.FileSystem.CopyFile(SourceFile, DestFile, True) and then proceeds to set the LastWriteTime of the file using File.SetLastWriteTimeUtc(DestFile, DateTime.UtcNow()). It is hoped that this provides the necessary date information to the file that browser downloads the intended blank file, rather than the last used file in cache.
  Fix attempted 2021-11-04  (AstroPlan 1.27.1)

Small Defects

• 'Waiting on CCD Cooler' report line unexpectedly reporting "CCD Temp. is Kk "
  Fixed 2021-11-03  (AstroMain 3.46.1)
   
• 'Take Image Group' report line (CCC) reports an unexpectedly large Total Exposure Time. Target 2/33 (AT2021zkf) with 5x180s frames reports a total exposure time of 185 mins when only 15 mins are expected. 
  Fixed 2021-11-03  (AstroMain 3.46.1)
   
• For Target 1/33 (61 Cyg) a blank line should be inserted between ImageSet Stats (7x2s) and the Total Image Stats.
  Fix attempted 2021-11-04  (AstroMain 3.46.1)
   
• 'A blank line should be added before '< Conditions have improved' report line. 
  Fixed 2021-11-05  (AstroMain 3.46.1)
   
• Target Altitude value shown as '--' in pre-slew 'Conditions section.  Currently Altitude isn't calculated for target under just before the slew is made.   The calculation should be brought forward to either target retrieval or prior to Conditions check, even if calculation is redone as part of pre-slew checks.
  Fixed 2021-11-05  (AstroMain 3.46.1)
   
• Comet Name isn't being fully extracted from TargetInfo filename. Target names are made file friendly when used in file names. For comets like 'C/2019 L3 (ATLAS)' the "/" has to be removed from filename. Later. during BuildJpgPicturePage()  /BuildJpgPicturePageNew() routines the filename 'TargetInfo.20211030.chart30.oid030.C2019_L3_(ATLAS).png'  is read and the the name 'C2019 L3 (ATLAS)' is extracted and use on Session Local Picture Page.  The ExtractNameFromTargetInfoFileName() routine needs to be modified so that the "/" slash character needs to be reincluded:  The 'C2019' text needs to be converted to 'C/2019' .
  Fixed 2021-11-05  (AstroMain 3.46.1)

Continuous Improvement

• Add facility so that positions of targets on Main Image JPG pictures are automatically shifted to accommodate differences/jumps in pointing.  Target x/y locations, Spectra Boxes  need to be shifted for any shift in pointing between the Locate frame and the main image for which JPG picture is being made.   New routines :  RecordBrightestStars_LocateInfo(),  CalculateImageShift(),   CalcMedian() .   First pass implementation made which works with most cases.  There may be issues in cases where the  Main Images are not Full Frames (e.g they are only Half Frames) or where scope is pointed using Brightest Star method.
  Done 2021-11-04  (AstroMain 3.46.1)
   
• Add facility so that the positions of comet & asteroids on Main Image JPG pictures are automatically shifted to accommodate motion of object.  Motion during an single observation is often quite small and doesn't invalidate the target circle drawn on JPG pictures, but if the object's motion is particularly fast or the observation is made over a longer interval the target circle will become increasingly invalid.  Proposal is to adjust the target location according to the objects forecast motion. This involves adding several extra fields to LocateInfo data structure:  LocateDate (DateTime),  bMovingTarget (True/False) ,  RaRate (double, in arcsec/hour) & Dec Rate (double, in arcsec/hour) and a new routine or code block in ConvertFitsToJpg to calculate the x/y movement of the object since the Locate Frame was acquired.  Difficult to test is 'Use Test Mode'.  Separate ticket raised for using On-The Fly Observing of Non-Sidereal targets in 'Test Mode'
  Done 2021-11-04  (AstroMain 3.46.1)
   
• Add Traditional CFZ as secondary error bar on Best Focus Plot. New CFZ (cirtical focus zone) was added an error bar for each focus measurement in AstroMain 3.46. This proposal is for inclusion of the narrower traditional focus zone as a secondary error bar and for the addition of CFZ error bar to the Chart Legend. .
  Done 2021-11-05  (AstroMain 3.46.1)
   
• Add ability to automatically set the coords of a non-sidereal (comet/asteroid) target to a historic position when running 'On-the-fly Observing' in test mode. Comet targets are difficult to 'playback' using 'On-the-fly Observing' as the Job Executor slews the scope to the current position of the comet, rather than to the position that the comet had when the images to be replayed when originally taken.  This results in jog / link issues  and limit ability to 'replay' such targets.  It also make it difficult to test new features such as new features that autoshift the positions of comets/asteroids drawn on Targets Main JPG pictures.
  Done 2021-11-06  (AstroMain 3.46.1)
   
• The 'txtTargetIdOb' field (integer) should be saved to Program settings file and restored upon Program restart. Although not typically used during a liev session this field is regularly used during program development and testing and it would be a a great time saver to not have to reenter the field each time the program is restarted.
  Done 2021-11-06  (AstroMain 3.46.1)
   
• Add 5 deg tick marks to NightSummaryPlot5 and to North & South Panoramic Images.
  Done 2021-11-06  (AstroAllSky 3.13.2)
   
• Add Right Hand Axis to NightSummaryPlot5 when the plot closes out at dawn.
  Done 2021-11-06  (AstroAllSky 3.13.2)
   
• Add link from a Target section on the Local JPG Pictures Page to the relevant bookmarked position in session's report file. No all links will necessarily exist.  But functionality still useful.
  Done 2021-11-06  (AstroMain 3.46.1)
   
• Make improvement to a number of webpages (Aurora, AllSky Image, AllSky Camera, Aurora Watch). Changes include the consolidation of Latest AllSky Images and Latest AllSky Videos onto a single page. .
  Done 2021-11-07  (Website)

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DeviceHub 6.5.1.7

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2021-11-08

Observatory Dome - Wall Sealant Fix

Issue  Water on Observatory Floor (due to ingress below wall panels)

Description
With a large amount of rain over the period 2021-10-28 to 2021-11-01 (see chart below showing rainfall this 5 day period), the observatory floor become increasing wet and began to rise up through the joints in the rubber floor matting.   The water seeps in under the walls at places where the sealant has degraded. This has been on ongoing issue since observatory was constructed in 2018, and the seal has been changed out on 2 previous occasions.  A certain amount of water under the matting can be tolerated but the amount finally become too much and a new repair was required. 


(Note:  Y Axis is 'rain rate' as measured by Eurotech/Aurora Cloud Sensor)

Fix
Floor matts have been removed (2021-11-01) and the excess water removed with towelling.  Floor was allowed to dry out and some emergency 'No-Nonsense All Weather Sealant' (from ScrewFix) applied as a strip on the outside and (for first time) inside the wall base in an attempt to try to stop further water ingress. The sealant is supposedly ''suitable to use in wet weather conditions".  Seals were applied today (2021-11-08).   Floor matts were relaid (2021-11-11)  after giving the inside seal the opportunity to set.

In past fixes (2019 and 2020) old seal has been pulled out before applying new sealant, but since this was very time consuming and didn't prove to be a long term fix in the past, this time the outside sealant has been applied on top of the existing sealant.    Photos below showing the new sealant in place.

Photo showing sealant applied on outside joint between dome wall and concrete base (sealant has been applied over the top of existing seal)		Photo showing sealant applied on inside joint between dome wall and concrete base (this is first time that sealant has been used on inside)

Update 2021-12-08
Whilst the observatory floor has stayed dry for the past 4 weeks following attempted wall seal fix, it was found to be again wet this morning following the heavy deluge that we had from Storm Barra last night. Not as bad as before, water under floor matts over only 1/3 of the floor area and hadn't risen up through the joints..   Matts removed from affected areas and water soaked up with a sponge.   Will apply some further sealant during the next dry spell

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