David's Astronomy Pages
Notes - Session 614.1 (2018-07-18,
Observatory Commissioning)
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Session Aims & Highlights |
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Operational Issues |
| - Critical Issues (0), Major Issues (0), Minor Issues (1), Small Defects (0), Continuous Improvement (0) | |
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Fully Automated Operation Test |
| - Observing Plan | |
| - Report Log |
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No images from this session >> |
Main Aims
This was a night-time session to continue formal commissioning of the new Dome Observatory including :
Session was intended as a live test but cloud prevented acquisition of any targets/images.
Equipment & Software
Highlights
Cloud. Cloudy Skies unfortunately prevented the acquistion of any
live images during this session. However the recognition of the
adverse sky conditons by the system and its refusal to open the Dome goes down
as a positive result.
Automated Operations.
The new Fully-Automated Operation Routines
generally worked as designed but there were a few glitches along the way with
unexpected operation which will require further tightening up of the software
before they can be used for standard operation. The test can be judged a
success in this regard. (see test notes)
Specific successful achivements of
the automated system :
Specific failures of the automated system : Functionality not
tested using the automated system on this occasion :
System Stability.There were with no major issues with the Observatory System (and specifically
there was no occurance of the '213' telescope
communication error).Notes
Summary Plots & Logs
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Executed Observing Plan (Targets marked with Red Status failed. Initial targets failed due to missing the scheduled start time. Later targets failed due to cloud/closed dome. |
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Night Sky Summary Plot Top axis: Sky Brightness at Zenith (in ADU/s) Lefthand axis: Local Time (hh LT). Righthand axis: Sun Altitude (degs) |
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Back to Top
Error
connecting to Telescope.
80040407 - ASCOM
Meade LX200/GPS Driver.
There doesn't appear to be
anything connected to the COM Port
Closed,
Issue Understood (POTH.Hub, LX200Back to Top
With key hardware powered up (Observatory Laptop, Dome, Telescope and CCD Camera), key software running (TheSky6, CCDSoft5 and CCDApp2) and key observatory services started (Observatory Manager, Weather/Cloud Sensor, ASCOM Dome, ASCOM Scope) observatory manager control was placed into 'Fully-Automated' Mode (see screenshot). This initiated the Full-Automated cycle of operation, comprising the following session states : Pending, Initiating, Starting, Equilibrating, Running (or Suspended), Closing, Housekeeping, Finished, Back to Pending.
The Session began in the 'Pending' State, but as the Sun had already set (Sun Altitude < 0) the Session immediately moved to 'Initiating' where the routine called the 'Observing Database Tool ' (SqlForms2/Schedule Builder) to create a computer-generated optimised observing plan for the night with a scheduled start time equivalent to a sun altitude of -8 deg (default summer time setting). Once created the observing plan was successfully loaded into the Target/Job Queue ready for execution. (See Report file)
The Session then moved to 'Starting' where CCD Camera and
Telescope were successfully connected and session setup was successfully
performed (new Session ID, Session Name and Session Folders). The
Session then moved to 'Equilibrating', but since the Scheduled Plan's Start Time
has already been passed the Session moved to 'Running' and began
executing the Job Queue.
Since start time for first 6 targets had already
been passed, they were flagged as Failed.
At this point the Observatory
was placed back into Manual Mode and the Target/Job Queue aborted, in order to
make a some modifications to the Fully Automated routines (including as forcing
Dome Slaving to be set to ON before starting the 'Running' state)
The program was restarted and replaced into Fully-Automated Mode. The Session began in the 'Pending' State where it immediately moved to 'Initiating' State. Database was checked for valid Observing Plans for the current night, and finding the Plan that was created earlier, the plan was successfully re-loaded into the Target/Job Queue ready for execution.
The Session then moved to 'Starting' where CCD Camera and Telescope were successfully re-connected and session setup was successfully performed (re-using the Session ID, Session Name and Session Folders created earlier). The Session again skipped through the 'Equilibrating' state since the Plan's scheduled start-time had already been passed, and moved to 'Running' and begun executing the Target/Job Queue. Recognising that 6 targets had already been handled, the Queue began executing with the 7th target.
The start times for 7th and 8th targets has passed and were skipped. As it
was still 6 minutes before the scheduled start time for the 9th target (NGC
6886) the routine proceeded to wait 6 minutes until its start-time (00:14) was
reached whereupon the telescope slew to the target and image(s) taken with CCD
Camera in order to plate solve them in order to centre the telescope on the
precise target coordinates. Image linking failed, as did further attempts taking
additional Locate images with successively longer exposures. After 4
attempts the CCD Camera then proceeded to take the planned 'Light Frame' images
(7 x 30s) assuming that telescope was more or less pointing at the target.
[Analysis showed the Dome Shutter had not been opened and the Locate
images were simply images of the dark interior of the dome without valid stars
and no possibility of image linking. ].
With the extra time used for
taking and plate solving multiple locate images, the target overrun its plan
observing windows, causing the 10th target to miss it's scheduled start time,
and be skipped [Smarter logic needs to be employed to cut short imaging of
what is very probably a compromised observing attempt and move to the next
target before its scheduled start time is missed]
At this point the Observatory was placed back into Manual Mode and the
Target/Job Queue aborted.
It was apparent that the Code was not
behaving appropriately by moving to 'Running' state (let alone move to
'Starting' state) whilst Shutter Safety Synopsis for the Observatory
(produced by AllSky/Weather Computer) was judged as 'MUST CLOSE' and
Observing Potential was judged as 'BAD'. On the positive side the routine
prevented the Shutter from being opened which was the correct behaviour.
The Code was also not behaving appropriately by allowing a target to be executed
and images taken whilst the Dome's Shutter was shut. This shouldn't have
occurred in the Session had been placed in a 'Suspended' state, however the
logic statement to move the state to suspended in the event of adverse weather
conditions only proceeded when the Dome Shutter was Open or Opening. (the logic
had assumed that the Session wouldn't have entered Running State unless that the
Dome Shutter was open). An attempt to place the session into the Suspended
State by pausing the program using the Visual Studio's debugger and making on
the fly code modifications, whilst updating the Session State variable to
'Suspended' didn't suspend the Job Queue as it was designed o.
With these deficiences in the code and with the Weather Scorecard and AllSky Images showing that Cloud had conituing to develop it was decided to stop further Full-Automated Mode Testing for the night and to close up the Observatory without falling back on normal user controlled observing.
There were no opportunites for live testing of the 'Closing', 'Housekeeping' and 'Finished' states.
| Observing Manager placed in Fully Automated Mode (screenshot) |
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Observing Plan automatically created for test 2018-07-18
(Targets marked with Red Status failed as the scheduled start time has passed) |
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Observatory Mode 2018-07-18 23:45 (Local)
Setting Mode... Ok Fully-Automated
Session Pending 2018-07-18 23:45 (Local)
NightDate: Ok 2018-07-18 (NightDate)
Session Initiating 2018-07-18 23:45 (Local)
NightDate: Ok 2018-07-18 (NightDate)
Import Observing Plan...
Create Observing Plan 2018-07-18 23:45 (Local)
Request Observing Plan... Ok
Generate Night Plan... Ok SqlForms2/Schedule Builder has completed
Selecting Plan... Ok 2018-07-18 V1 BEST PLAN (Plan ID: 162)
Retrieving Targets ... Ok 26 Targets.
Reading Start Time... Ok 2018-07-18 23:16 (Scheduled StartTime, Local)
Session Starting 2018-07-18 23:48 (Local)
Session: Ok 2018-07-18 (NightDate)
Connect Camera 2018-07-18 23:48 (Local)
Connecting camera... Ok
Temperature Regulation... Ok
Temperature Set Point... Ok 10 °C
TempMonitor: Ok Already active
Connect Telescope 2018-07-18 23:49 (Local)
Establishing link... Ok
Telescope Coords... Ok Az: 95.8, Alt: 3.7
Session 2018-07-18 23:49 (Local)
Session Name: Ok 2018-07-18 S00614 (Session)
Creating session folder ... Ok .\New\2018-07-18 S00614
Creating analysis folder ...Ok .\...\2018-07-18 S00614
Creating subfolders ... Ok .\...\2018-07-18 S00614\_RAW, \_REDUCED etc
Stopping CCDSoft Ok
Updating Setpoint... Fail
Setting Autosave Number Ok 614001
Restarting CCDSoft
Creating Camera object... Ok CCDsoft.Camera
Creating Autoguider object..Ok CCDsoft.Camera
Creating Folder object.. Ok CCDSoft.Folder
Reconnecting camera ... Ok
Setting AutoSave Folder ... Ok .\New\2018-07-18 S00614
Session Equilibrating 2018-07-18 23:49 (Local)
Equilibrating ...
Session Running 2018-07-18 23:49 (Local)
NightDate: Ok 2018-07-18 (NightDate)
Take Frame Jobs (Live MODE) 2018-07-18 23:49 (Local)
Checking Plan... Ok 2018-07-18 V1 BEST PLAN (Plan ID= 162)
Checking Targets... Ok 26 targets selected
AutoSave Folder... Ok C:\Data\CCD Imaging\New\2018-07-18 S00614
AutoSave Start Num... Ok 614001
Date/Time (TheSky6)... Ok 2018-07-18 23:49:30 (Local)
2018-07-18 22:49:30 (UT)
Lat/Long (TheSky6)... Ok 57 19 09.00 N / 02 00 24.99 W
CCD Regulation ... Fail Regulation is OFF (Setpoint: 0.0 °C)
Checking CCD Temp... Warning Temp [14.0 °C] is 14.0 °C above setpoint
Airmass Cutoff... Ok Airmass 3.3
Checking Targets ... Ok 26 targets selected
Setting Up RealTime VMA... Ok (1.2 Method)
Checking VMA Folders ... Ok
Reading Reference File ... Ok ..\Reference\ProjectStars.txt
Estimated Duration... 237.60 mins
NGC 6842 (1/26) 2018-07-18 23:49 (Local)
Target: Ok NGC 6842 (ID: 156)
Object Type: Pl. Neb
Constellation: Vul
Comment:
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped
GCVS BL Lac (2/26) 2018-07-18 23:49 (Local)
Target: Ok GCVS BL Lac (ID: 214)
Object Type: Variable Galaxy/Quasar
Constellation: LAC
Comment: Lac BL
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped
Vega (3/26) 2018-07-18 23:49 (Local)
Target: Ok Vega (ID: 200)
Object Type: Star
Constellation: Lyr
Comment:
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped
M27 (4/26) 2018-07-18 23:49 (Local)
Target: Ok M27 (ID: 56)
Object Type: Globular Cluster
Constellation: VUL
Comment:
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped
NGC 6772 (5/26) 2018-07-18 23:49 (Local)
Target: Ok NGC 6772 (ID: 32)
Object Type: Pl. Neb
Constellation: AQL
Comment:
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped
GCVS P Cyg (6/26) 2018-07-18 23:49 (Local)
Target: Ok GCVS P Cyg (ID: 257)
Object Type: Variable
Constellation: Cyg
Comment:
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Ok Wait till 23:53 to commence target (4.2 mins)
Waiting till 23:53...
Turn On Dome Slaving.. Ok
Observatory Mode 2018-07-18 23:51 (Local)
Setting Mode ... Ok Manual
Script Aborting ... Aborted (Script aborted by user)
Observatory Mode 2018-07-19 00:00 (Local)
Setting Mode... Ok Fully-Automated
Session Pending 2018-07-19 00:00 (Local)
NightDate: Ok 2018-07-18 (NightDate)
Session Initiating 2018-07-19 00:00 (Local)
NightDate: Ok 2018-07-18 (NightDate)
Import Observing Plan...
Selecting Plan... Ok 2018-07-18 V1 BEST PLAN (Plan ID: 162)
Retrieving Targets ... Ok 26 Targets.
Reading Start Time... Ok 2018-07-18 23:16 (Scheduled StartTime, Local)
Session Starting 2018-07-19 00:00 (Local)
Session: Ok 2018-07-18 (NightDate)
Connect Camera 2018-07-19 00:00 (Local)
Connecting camera... Ok
Temperature Regulation... Ok
Temperature Set Point... Ok -20 °C
TempMonitor: Ok Already active
Connect Telescope 2018-07-19 00:00 (Local)
Establishing link... Ok
Telescope Coords... Ok Az: 183.8, Alt: 2.6
A session (S00614) has already been created
in the database for 2018-07-18
Session : 2018-07-18 S00614
Setting AutoSave Folder ... Ok .\New\2018-07-18 S00614
Session 2018-07-19 00:00 (Local)
Session Name: Ok 2018-07-18 S00614 (Session)
Reusing Session Folder... Ok .\New\2018-07-18 S00614
Reusing Analysis Folder... Ok .\...\2018-07-18 S00614
AutoSave Folder... Ok C:\Data\CCD Imaging\New\2018-07-18 S00614
AutoSave Start Num... Ok 614001
Session Equilibrating 2018-07-19 00:00 (Local)
Equilibrating ...
Session Running 2018-07-19 00:08 (Local)
NightDate: Ok 2018-07-18 (NightDate)
Take Frame Jobs (Live MODE) 2018-07-19 00:08 (Local)
Checking Plan... Ok 2018-07-18 V1 BEST PLAN (Plan ID= 162)
Checking Targets... Ok 20 targets selected
AutoSave Folder... Ok C:\Data\CCD Imaging\New\2018-07-18 S00614
AutoSave Start Num... Ok 614001
Date/Time (TheSky6)... Ok 2018-07-19 00:08:21 (Local)
2018-07-18 23:08:21 (UT)
Lat/Long (TheSky6)... Ok 57 19 09.00 N / 02 00 24.99 W
CCD Regulation ... Ok Regulation is ON (Setpoint: -20.0 °C)
Checking CCD Temp... Ok -20.4 °C (90%)
Airmass Cutoff... Ok Airmass 3.3
Checking Targets ... Ok 26 targets selected
Setting Up RealTime VMA... Ok (1.2 Method)
Checking VMA Folders ... Ok
Reading Reference File ... Ok ..\Reference\ProjectStars.txt
Estimated Duration... 195.22 mins
M29 (7/26) 2018-07-19 00:08 (Local)
Target: Ok M29 (ID: 59)
Object Type: Open Cluster
Constellation: CYG
Comment:
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped
Session Suspended 2018-07-19 00:08 (Local)
Session: 2018-07-18 Info Session suspended
PLN 85+ 4.1 (8/26) 2018-07-19 00:08 (Local)
Target: Ok PLN 85+ 4.1 (ID: 36)
Object Type: Pl. Neb
Constellation: CYG
Comment: Abell 71
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped
NGC 6886 (9/26) 2018-07-19 00:08 (Local)
Target: Ok NGC 6886 (ID: 40)
Object Type: Pl. Neb
Constellation: SGE
Comment:
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Ok Wait till 00:14 to commence target (6.2 mins)
Waiting till 00:14... Ok Continue
Checking Target ... Ok RA: 20 12 42.799, Dec: +19 59 24.00, J2000 (NGC 6886)
Checking Altitude ... Ok Altitude 49.8 degs
Checking Airmass ... Ok Airmass 1.31
Checking Declination... Ok Dec 20.05 degs
Slewing ... Ok
Waiting for scope... Ok 4.0s
Delay (1s) ... Ok
Checking Dome Position ... Ok
Checking CCD Temp... Warning Cooling Capacity [92%] is > 90% (Temp -20.0 °C)
Checking Focuser ... Ok Tube Temp: 11.0 °C
Selecting Pointing Mode ... Ok Higher Precision Pointing (up to 4 locate images)
Selecting N/W offset ... Ok N 0.0, W 0.0 [arc mins]
Selecting Locate Exp ... Ok 5s (Zone: 1-2, GPOffset 7.7, Alt 49.8)
Checking position (1)
Taking 5s image (C)... Ok [00614001] 23:14:23 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Failed Too few stars (SmartStarCount 4)
Linking image (GSC)... Failed Too few stars (SmartStarCount 4)
Linking image (UCA/USNO*)...Failed Too few stars (SmartStarCount 4)
Linking image (GSC*)... Failed Too few stars (SmartStarCount 4)
Analysing stars ... Ok (Stars= 0/0)
Altitude 49.9 deg (Airmass 1.308)
Sky Brightness 4.16 ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 234 ADU, dark: 197.4 ADU(C)
FWHM 5.5 arc sec (bright: 5.6, next4: 5.1)
Unable to Link Image.. Will try a longer exposure
Checking position (2)
Taking 20s image (C)... Ok [00614002] 23:14:44 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Failed No Acceptable Match Found
Linking image (GSC)... Failed No Acceptable Match Found
Linking image (UCA/USNO*)...Failed No Acceptable Match Found
Linking image (GSC*)... Failed No Acceptable Match Found
Analysing stars ... Ok (Stars= 3/6)
Normalised ZP 17.85
Altitude 49.9 deg (Airmass 1.307)
Sky Brightness 1.26 ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 242 ADU, dark: 197.7 ADU(C)
FWHM 5.5 arc sec (bright: 5.6, next4: 5.6)
Unable to Link Image.. Will try a longer exposure
Checking position (3)
Taking 30s image (C)... Ok [00614003] 23:16:42 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Failed No Acceptable Match Found
Linking image (GSC)... Failed No Acceptable Match Found
Linking image (UCA/USNO*)...Failed No Acceptable Match Found
Linking image (GSC*)... Failed No Acceptable Match Found
Analysing stars ... Ok (Stars= 0/5)
Altitude 50.0 deg (Airmass 1.305)
Sky Brightness 1.01 ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 251 ADU, dark: 197.9 ADU(C)
FWHM 5.5 arc sec (bright: 5.6, next4: 40.2)
Unable to Link Image.. Will try a longer exposure
Checking position (4)
Taking 60s image (C)... Ok [00614004] 23:18:09 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Failed No Acceptable Match Found
Linking image (GSC)... Failed No Acceptable Match Found
Linking image (UCA/USNO*)...Failed No Acceptable Match Found
Linking image (GSC*)... Failed No Acceptable Match Found
Analysing stars ... Ok (Stars= 0/0)
Altitude 50.1 deg (Airmass 1.303)
Sky Brightness 0.78 ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 280 ADU, dark: 198.2 ADU(C)
FWHM 5.5 arc sec (bright: 5.6, next4: 5.6)
Unable to Link Image.. Will continue on, assuming that pointing is ok
Taking 30s image (C)... Ok [00614005] 23:21:29 (UT) Full 3x3 30s C
Taking 30s image (C)... Ok [00614006] 23:22:09 (UT) Full 3x3 30s C
Taking 30s image (C)... Ok [00614007] 23:22:49 (UT) Full 3x3 30s C
Taking 30s image (C)... Ok [00614008] 23:23:29 (UT) Full 3x3 30s C
Taking 30s image (C)... Ok [00614009] 23:24:09 (UT) Full 3x3 30s C
Taking 30s image (C)... Ok [00614010] 23:24:49 (UT) Full 3x3 30s C
Taking 30s image (C)... Ok [00614011] 23:25:29 (UT) Full 3x3 30s C
IC 4997 (10/26) 2018-07-19 00:26 (Local)
Target: Ok IC 4997 (ID: 39)
Object Type: Pl. Neb
Constellation: SGE
Comment:
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped
M73 (11/26) 2018-07-19 00:26 (Local)
Target: Ok M73 (ID: 50)
Object Type: Open Cluster
Constellation: AQR
Comment:
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Ok Wait till 00:30 to commence target (4.7 mins)
Waiting till 00:30... Ok Continue
Checking Target ... Ok RA: 20 58 56.002, Dec: -12 38 07.00, J2000 (M73)
Checking Altitude ... Ok Altitude 16.4 degs
Checking Airmass ... Ok Airmass 3.52
Checking Declination... Ok Dec -12.56 degs
Slewing ... Ok
Waiting for scope... Ok 2.0s
Delay (1s) ... Ok
Checking Dome Position ... Ok
Checking CCD Temp... Warning Cooling Capacity [100%] is > 90% (Temp -19.5 °C)
Checking Focuser ... Ok Tube Temp: 11.0 °C
Selecting Pointing Mode ... Ok Higher Precision Pointing (up to 4 locate images)
Selecting N/W offset ... Ok N 0.0, W 0.0 [arc mins]
Selecting Locate Exp ... Ok 15s (Zone: 3-3, GPOffset 33.9, Alt 16.4)
Checking position (1)
Taking 15s image (C)... Ok [00614012] 23:30:18 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Failed No Acceptable Match Found
Observatory Mode 2018-07-18 23:51 (Local)
Setting Mode ... Ok Manual
Script Aborting ... Aborted (Script aborted by user)
Back to Top
Main aims of this nighttime session was to continue commissioning of Clair3 Observatory including
1) Perform live test of Observatory System operating in Fully Automated Mode
(This follows several weeks work on new software routines for operating the Observatory in fully-automated mode (a long-term goal for Clair 3 Observatory) and following the first live test of the software routines on 2018-07-18. Although operating in Fully Automated Mode the session was again closely monitored to understand any issues and intervene if required)
2) Acquire some images
3) Continue checking stability of
POTH.Hub (Telescope + Dome) & Observatory Control Software
Equipment & Software
- 12" LX200 and ST-10XME
- CCDApp2,
TheSky6, CCDSoft 5, POTH Hub,
Highlights :
- Cloudy Skies unfortunately prevented the acquistion of any
live images during this session. However the recognition of the
adverse sky conditons by the system and its refusal to open the Dome goes down
as a positive result.
- The new Fully-Automated Operation Routines
(updated following results of last live test on 2018-07-18) generally worked as designed
but again a few further few things were noticed that will require further
correction and improvement. The test can be judged a
success (see test notes)
- Specific successful achivements of
the automated system :
- a new session
(session ID, session name, session folders) was created for the night
- an optimised Observing Plan/Schedule was created for the night from a database
of targets and loaded ready for observing
- Dome,
Telescope and CCD Camera were connected to
- Dome,
Telescope and CCD Camera were operated
- Weather
and Cloud Sensor data was used to open and close the Dome Shutter several times
during the session
- Execution of Observing Plan / Target Queue proceeded according to scheduled
start times.
- Close down of the Observatory (Telescope &
Dome Parking, CCD Disconnection)
- Post Session
Housekeeping (File copying etc)
- Wait till next night
- Commence next session
- No specific failures of the automated
system
(though a on-the-fly code change was required to prevent
execution of Target/Job Queue Execuction
being otherwise stuck
in a Pause Loop)
- A long list of corrections/minor improvements to the
routines were identified. Major items that needed to added are
- Autofocussing
- There were with
no major issues with the Observatory System
itself
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Observing Plan/a>
automatically created for test 2018-07-22
(Targets marked with Red Status failed. Initial targets failed due to missing the scheduled start time. Later targets failed due to cloud/closed dome. |
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Night Sky Summary Plot -
2018-07-22 Top axis: Sky Brightness at Zenith (in ADU/s) Lefthand axis: Local Time (hh LT). Righthand axis: Sun Altitude (degs) |
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Back to Top
Issues arising during the session:
-
LX200 Telescope loosing connection with TheSky6, Error 213
Issue Resolved (a new Serial cable with embedded USB-Serial adapter
appears in part to have fixed the issue)Back to Top
With key hardware powered up (Observatory Laptop, Dome, Telescope and CCD Camera), key software running (TheSky6, CCDSoft5 and CCDApp2) and key observatory services started (Observatory Manager, Weather/Cloud Sensor, ASCOM Dome, ASCOM Scope) observatory manager control was placed into 'Fully-Automated' Mode. This initiated the Full-Automated cycle of operation, comprising the following session states : Pending, Initiating, Starting, Equilibrating, Running (or Suspended), Closing, Housekeeping, Finished, Back to Pending.
The Session began in the 'Pending' State, but as the Sun had already set (Sun Altitude < 0) the Session immediately moved to 'Initiating' where the Observatory Manager called the 'Observing Database Tool ' (SqlForms2/Schedule Builder) to create a computer-generated optimised observing plan for the night with a scheduled start time equivalent to a sun altitude of -9 deg. Once created the observing plan was successfully loaded into the Job Queue ready for execution. (See Report file)
The Session then moved to 'Starting' where CCD Camera and
Telescope were successfully connected and session setup was successfully
performed (new Session ID, Session Name and Session Folders). The
Session then moved to 'Equilibrating', but since the Scheduled Plan's Start Time
has already been passed the Session moved to 'Running' and began
executing the Job Queue.
Since the scheduled start times for the first 11 targets had already
been passed, they were skipped and flagged as 'Failed'.
The Job Queue
then took images of EV Lac and HH And (12th and 13th targets respectively).
It was noticed that the stars were badly out of focus and rathar than waste
observing time on out of focus images the Observatory
was placed back into Manual Mode and the Target/Job Queue aborted, in order to
manually find a suitable star and inititate an Autofocussing routine (In due
course it is hoped to incorporate these Autofocussing operations within the
fully-Automated Routines).
The program was restarted and placed into Fully-Automated Mode. The
Session quickly moved through the initial states until it was again 'Running'
and executing the Job Queue . The 14th and 15th targets were skipped as their
scheduled start times had been missed whilst autofocussing etc). The 16th Target
(GK Per) was then successfully acquired. A 30 minute period followed during
which the dome shutter was closed due to increased cloud. During this time the
scheduled time slots for 4 targets were missed. Finally an slight
improvement in conditions saw the dome shutter open and the queue continued with
the 21st target (NGC 7094)., 5 x 90s C images were taken, over an interval of 22
minutes during which the dome shutter opened and closed several times as Cloud
(clarity and number of visible AllSky stars) and Observing Potential both
oscillated either side of their respective levels.
Whilst waiting for
the 21st target to finish all of its images, the next 3 targets each missed
their scheduled start times and were skipped. Job execution finished by
acquiring the 25th target (WDS GRB 34).
With Job Execution completed the Session moved to 'Closing' and
proceeded to close the dome, park the dome, park the telescope and disconnect
the CCD camera (turning off temp regulation). The Session then moved to 'Housekeeping'
and proceed to clean up raw files and move them to 'analysis/raw' folder, and to
move log files to 'analysis/log' folder, before moving to 'Finished'.
(several corrections need to be made to code to ensure closing of observatory
equipment is fully completed before moving to the housekeeping stage , and to
not repeat/duplicate certain housekeeping chores).
At 09:00 the
Session moved to 'Pending' for the next Night, and
waited until sunset where it should have moved the session to 'Initiating',
however for some reason the Session moved to 'Starting' but without going
through SetState_Starting routine. With setup incomplete the session was unable
to progress (why did Session move directly to 'Starting' - needs fixing !)
An on the fly coding fix was made to drop the Session back to 'Initiating' at which point the Session began to create an Observing Plan for the night. Unfortunately the CCDApp2 program interface froze at thus point and the process was stopped using the Stop Debugging button in VS 2017.
The program was restarted and Observatory Services Started( ASCOM DOme and
ASCOM Scope objects created ok, I thought they might fail as POTH.Hub was left
open when the CCDApp2 program was stopped ). The Session quickly moved
through the initial states ('Pending', 'Initiating' & 'Starting'),
loading the Observing Plan created a little earlier), creating a new session for
the night (new session id and name etc), successfully unparking the Scope (this
was a significant milestone archievement), and connecting to the Scope and CCD
Camera. (Upon reconnecting to scope it reported Az: 89.0, Alt:
-0.6 rather than expected value of Az 180, Alt 2 deg , glitch ?, Coordinates
look ok in TheSky Virtual Sky and in POTH window. During the live test session
on 2018-07-18 the routine reported Az: 95.8, Alt: 3.7 and Az: 183.8, Alt:
2.6 on the 1st and 2nd tests respectively. Making a on-the-fly code change
to make an ad-hoc call to fetch Telescope coordinates reported them as Az:
185.2, Alt: 2.6. Suggests that a wait interval is required between connecting
the scope and making an enquiry).
The session then moved to 'Equilibrating'. where it
recognised that it would have to wait on acceptable weather conditions, however
it nevertheless proceeded with trying to open the Dome Shutter. Fortunately
other monitoring safety rules kicked in to immediately close the dome again - shutter
partially open for not more than 6 to 9 secs ). (There is clearly a major
coding error that allows Dome Shutter to be opened whilst rain and cloud
conditions were flagged as critical. This needs to be fixed before the next
session)
Since adverse rain conditions may last for some time (perhaps all night). Telescope Tracking was manually set to Off (Fully Automated routine needs to turn off telescope tracking immediately after unparking & reconnecting to scope) .
With weather conditions not looking good and to ensure safety of the observatory whilst continuing to test 'Fully-Automated' operations whilst I went to bed the Dome Lock was set to ON. This will ensure that Open Shutter routine is disabled even if the code makes a call to it.
Report Log for Fully-Automated Operation Tests (2018-07-22)
Observatory Mode 2018-07-23 00:45 (Local)
Setting Mode... Ok Fully-Automated
Checking Observing Tool...
Starting SQLForm2 Ok CCDApp2_ObservingTool.exe (a delay may occur)
Session Pending 2018-07-23 00:45 (Local)
NightDate: Ok 2018-07-22 (NightDate)
Session Initiating 2018-07-23 00:45 (Local)
NightDate: Ok 2018-07-22 (NightDate)
Import Observing Plan...
Create Observing Plan 2018-07-23 00:45 (Local)
Request Observing Plan... Ok
Generate Night Plan... Ok SqlForms2/Schedule Builder has completed
Selecting Plan... Ok 2018-07-22 V1 BEST PLAN (Plan ID: 164)
Retrieving Targets ... Ok 25 Targets.
Reading Start Time... Ok 2018-07-22 23:21 (Scheduled StartTime, Local)
Session Starting 2018-07-23 00:52 (Local)
Session: Ok 2018-07-22 (NightDate)
Connect Camera 2018-07-23 00:52 (Local)
Connecting camera... Ok
Temperature Regulation... Ok
Temperature Set Point... Ok 10 °C
TempMonitor: Ok Already active
Connect Telescope 2018-07-23 00:52 (Local)
Establishing link... Ok
Telescope Coords... Ok Az: 113.1, Alt: 14.1
Session 2018-07-23 00:52 (Local)
Session Name: Ok 2018-07-22 S00616 (Session)
Creating session folder ... Ok .\New\2018-07-22 S00616
Creating analysis folder ...Ok .\...\2018-07-22 S00616
Creating subfolders ... Ok .\...\2018-07-22 S00616\_RAW, \_REDUCED etc
Stopping CCDSoft Ok
Setting Autosave Number Ok 616001
Restarting CCDSoft
Creating Camera object... Ok CCDsoft.Camera
Creating Autoguider object..
Updating Setpoint... Ok CCDsoft.Camera
Creating Folder object.. Ok CCDSoft.Folder
Reconnecting camera ... Ok -15 °C
Ok
Setting AutoSave Folder ... Ok .\New\2018-07-22 S00616
Session Equilibrating 2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
Scheduled Start Time... Ok Equilibration step will be skipped
Open Shutter... Ok Shutter is opening...
Session Running 2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
NightDate: Ok 2018-07-22 (NightDate)
Turn On Dome Slaving.. Ok
Turn On Telescope Tracking..Ok Telescope Tracking is ON
Take Frame Jobs (Live MODE) 2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
Checking Plan... Ok 2018-07-22 V1 BEST PLAN (Plan ID= 164)
Checking Targets... Ok 25 targets selected
AutoSave Folder... Ok C:\Data\CCD Imaging\New\2018-07-22 S00616
AutoSave Start Num... Ok 616001
Date/Time (TheSky6)... Ok 2018-07-23 00:53:11 (Local)
2018-07-22 23:53:11 (UT)
Lat/Long (TheSky6)... Ok 57 19 09.00 N / 02 00 24.99 W
CCD Regulation ... Ok Regulation is ON (Setpoint: -15.0 °C)
Checking CCD Temp... Warning Temp [12.6 °C] is 27.6 °C above setpoint
Airmass Cutoff... Ok Airmass 3.3
Checking Targets ... Ok 25 targets selected
Setting Up RealTime VMA... Ok (1.2 Method)
Checking VMA Folders ... Ok
Reading Reference File ... Ok ..\Reference\ProjectStars.txt
Estimated Duration... 204.85 mins
NGC 6772 (1/25) 2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
Target: Ok NGC 6772 (ID: 32)
Object Type: Pl. Neb
Constellation: AQL
Comment:
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped
Delta Cyg (2/25) 2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
Target: Ok Delta Cyg (ID: 37)
Object Type: Star
Constellation: Cyg
Comment:
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped
NGC 6842 (3/25) 2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
Target: Ok NGC 6842 (ID: 305)
Object Type: Pl. Neb
Constellation: Vul
Comment:
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped
NGC 5112 (4/25) 2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
Target: Ok NGC 5112 (ID: 83)
Object Type: Spiral Galaxy
Constellation: CVn
Comment:
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped
NGC 5421 (5/25) 2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
Target: Ok NGC 5421 (ID: 90)
Object Type: Spiral Galaxy
Constellation: CVn
Comment: ARP 111
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped
Vega (6/25) 2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
Target: Ok Vega (ID: 200)
Object Type: Star
Constellation: Lyr
Comment:
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped
GCVS CI Cyg (7/25) 2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
Target: Ok GCVS CI Cyg (ID: 14)
Object Type: Variable
Constellation: CYG
Comment: CI Cyg
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped
GCVS P Cyg (8/25) 2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
Target: Ok GCVS P Cyg (ID: 207)
Object Type:
Constellation: Cyg
Comment:
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped
PLN 85+ 4.1 (9/25) 2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
Target: Ok PLN 85+ 4.1 (ID: 36)
Object Type: Pl. Neb
Constellation: CYG
Comment: Abell 71
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped
GCVS BL Lac (10/25) 2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
Target: Ok GCVS BL Lac (ID: 17)
Object Type: Variable Galaxy/Quasar
Constellation: LAC
Comment: Lac BL
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped
UGC 11919 (11/25) 2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
Target: Ok UGC 11919 (ID: 157)
Object Type: Spiral Galaxy
Constellation: LAC
Comment: PSN J22081243+411
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped
GCVS EV Lac (12/25) 2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
Target: Ok GCVS EV Lac (ID: 18)
Object Type: Nearby Star
Constellation: Lac
Comment: GJ 873
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Ok Wait till 01:01 to commence target (8.8 mins)
Waiting till 01:01...
Open Shutter... Ok Shutter is open (45s)
Ok Continue
Checking Target ... Ok RA: 22 46 49.703, Dec: +44 20 02.00, J2000 (GCVS EV Lac)
Checking Altitude ... Ok Altitude 60.6 degs
Checking Airmass ... Ok Airmass 1.15
Checking Declination... Ok Dec 44.43 degs
Slewing ... Ok
Waiting for scope... Ok 3.0s
Delay (1s) ... Ok
Checking Dome Position ... Ok
Checking CCD Temp... Ok -15.2 °C (81%)
Checking Focuser ... Ok Tube Temp: 13.7 °C
Selecting Pointing Mode ... Ok Higher Precision Pointing (up to 4 locate images)
Selecting N/W offset ... Ok N 0.0, W 0.0 [arc mins]
Selecting Locate Exp ... Ok 5s (Zone: 1-1, GPOffset 13.1, Alt 60.6)
Checking position (1)
Taking 5s image (C)... Ok [00616001] 00:01:58 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok Stars 40, Scale 1.330, Angle 179.9°
Analysing stars ... Ok (Stars= 27/42)
Normalised ZP 20.65
Altitude 60.7 deg (Airmass 1.147)
Sky Brightness 17.03 ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 350 ADU, dark: 199.4 ADU(C)
FWHM 8.0 arc sec (bright: 7.8, next4: 8.5)
Reviewing position (1)... Ok Position error: 7.7 arc mins
Jogging ... Ok Correction: 8.1 arc mins
Checking position (2)
Taking 5s image (C)... Ok [00616002] 00:03:09 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok Stars 31, Scale 1.330, Angle 179.9°
Analysing stars ... Ok (Stars= 19/32)
Normalised ZP 20.64
Altitude 60.7 deg (Airmass 1.147)
Sky Brightness 15.89 ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 340 ADU, dark: 199.6 ADU(C)
FWHM 8.5 arc sec (bright: 6.9, next4: 7.9)
Reviewing position (2)... Ok Position error: 0.1 arc mins
Acceptance test ... Passed Pointing within 1.5 arc mins
Taking 10s image (V)... Ok [00616003] 00:03:42 (UT) Full 2x2 10s V
Taking 10s image (V)... Ok [00616004] 00:04:07 (UT) Full 2x2 10s V
Taking 10s image (V)... Ok [00616005] 00:04:32 (UT) Full 2x2 10s V
Taking 10s image (V)... Ok [00616006] 00:04:57 (UT) Full 2x2 10s V
Taking 10s image (V)... Ok [00616007] 00:05:19 (UT) Full 2x2 10s V
Taking 10s image (V)... Ok [00616008] 00:05:43 (UT) Full 2x2 10s V
Taking 10s image (V)... Ok [00616009] 00:06:05 (UT) Full 2x2 10s V
GCVS HH And (13/25) 2018-07-23 01:06 (Local)
Target: Ok GCVS HH And (ID: 19)
Object Type: Nearby Star
Constellation: And
Comment: Ross 248
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Ok Wait till 01:07 to commence target (1.5 mins)
Waiting till 01:07... Ok Continue
Checking Target ... Ok RA: 23 41 54.999, Dec: +44 10 38.99, J2000 (GCVS HH And)
Checking Altitude ... Ok Altitude 53.9 degs
Checking Airmass ... Ok Airmass 1.24
Checking Declination... Ok Dec 44.28 degs
Slewing ... Ok
Waiting for scope... Ok 2.0s
Delay (1s) ... Ok
Checking Dome Position ... Ok
Checking CCD Temp... Ok -14.8 °C (83%)
Checking Focuser ... Ok Tube Temp: 14.0 °C
Selecting Pointing Mode ... Ok Higher Precision Pointing (up to 4 locate images)
Selecting N/W offset ... Ok N 0.0, W 0.0 [arc mins]
Selecting Locate Exp ... Ok 10s (Zone: 2-2, GPOffset 16.9, Alt 53.9)
Checking position (1)
Taking 10s image (C)... Ok [00616010] 00:07:38 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok Stars 56, Scale 1.330, Angle 179.9°
Analysing stars ... Ok (Stars= 29/57)
Normalised ZP 20.96
Altitude 53.9 deg (Airmass 1.237)
Sky Brightness 12.52 ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 421 ADU, dark: 199.5 ADU(C)
FWHM 5.5 arc sec (bright: 7.8, next4: 8.8)
Reviewing position (1)... Ok Position error: 10.6 arc mins
Jogging ... Ok Correction: 12.0 arc mins
Script Aborting ...
Script Aborting ...
Script Aborting ... Aborted (Script aborted by user)
Observatory Mode 2018-07-23 01:27 (Local)
Setting Mode... Ok Fully-Automated
Session Pending 2018-07-23 01:27 (Local)
NightDate: Ok 2018-07-22 (NightDate)
Session Initiating 2018-07-23 01:27 (Local)
NightDate: Ok 2018-07-22 (NightDate)
Import Observing Plan...
Selecting Plan... Ok 2018-07-22 V1 BEST PLAN (Plan ID: 164)
Retrieving Targets ... Ok 25 Targets.
Reading Start Time... Ok 2018-07-22 23:21 (Scheduled StartTime, Local)
Session Starting 2018-07-23 01:27 (Local)
Session: Ok 2018-07-22 (NightDate)
Connect Camera 2018-07-23 01:27 (Local)
Connecting camera... Ok
Temperature Regulation... Ok
Temperature Set Point... Ok -15 °C
TempMonitor: Ok Already active
Connect Telescope 2018-07-23 01:27 (Local)
Establishing link... Ok
Telescope Coords... Ok Az: 91.1, Alt: 56.9
Session 2018-07-23 01:27 (Local)
Session Name: Ok 2018-07-22 S00614 (Session)
Creating session folder ... Ok .\New\2018-07-22 S00614
Creating analysis folder ...Ok .\...\2018-07-22 S00614
Creating subfolders ... Ok .\...\2018-07-22 S00614\_RAW, \_REDUCED etc
Stopping CCDSoft Ok
Setting Autosave Number Ok 614001
Restarting CCDSoft
Creating Camera object... Ok CCDsoft.Camera
Creating Autoguider object..Ok CCDsoft.Camera
Creating Folder object.. Ok CCDSoft.Folder
Reconnecting camera ... Ok
Setting AutoSave Folder ... Ok .\New\2018-07-22 S00614
Session Equilibrating 2018-07-23 01:27 (Local)
Scheduled Start Time... Ok Equilibration step will be skipped
Session Running 2018-07-23 01:27 (Local)
NightDate: Ok 2018-07-22 (NightDate)
Turn On Dome Slaving.. Ok
Turn On Telescope Tracking..Ok Telescope Tracking is ON
Take Frame Jobs (Live MODE) 2018-07-23 01:27 (Local)
Checking Plan... Ok 2018-07-22 V1 BEST PLAN (Plan ID= 164)
Checking Targets... Ok 12 targets selected
AutoSave Folder... Ok C:\Data\CCD Imaging\New\2018-07-22 S00614
AutoSave Start Num... Ok 614001
Date/Time (TheSky6)... Ok 2018-07-23 01:27:52 (Local)
2018-07-23 00:27:52 (UT)
Lat/Long (TheSky6)... Ok 57 19 09.00 N / 02 00 24.99 W
CCD Regulation ... Fail Regulation is OFF (Setpoint: 0.0 °C)
Checking CCD Temp... Warning Temp [14.0 °C] is 14.0 °C above setpoint
Airmass Cutoff... Ok Airmass 3.3
Checking Targets ... Ok 25 targets selected
Setting Up RealTime VMA... Ok (1.2 Method)
Checking VMA Folders ... Ok
Reading Reference File ... Ok ..\Reference\ProjectStars.txt
Estimated Duration... 92.83 mins
Hickson 8 (14/25) 2018-07-23 01:27 (Local)
Target: Ok Hickson 8 (ID: 158)
Object Type: Galaxy Cluster
Constellation: AND
Comment:
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped
GCVS RX And (15/25) 2018-07-23 01:27 (Local)
Target: Ok GCVS RX And (ID: 20)
Object Type: Variable
Constellation: AND
Comment: RX And
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped
GCVS GK Per (16/25) 2018-07-23 01:27 (Local)
Target: Ok GCVS GK Per (ID: 71)
Object Type: Variable
Constellation: PER
Comment: GK Per
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Ok Wait till 01:30 to commence target (3.0 mins)
Waiting till 01:30...
Open Shutter... Ok Shutter is open (4s)
Updating Setpoint... Ok -15 °C
Ok Continue
Checking Target ... Ok RA: 03 31 12.500, Dec: +43 54 17.99, J2000 (GCVS GK Per)
Checking Altitude ... Ok Altitude 28.1 degs
Checking Airmass ... Ok Airmass 2.12
Checking Declination... Ok Dec 43.96 degs
Slewing ... Ok
Waiting for scope... Ok 2.0s
Delay (1s) ... Ok
Checking Dome Position ... Ok
Checking CCD Temp... Warning Temp [-4.8 °C] is 10.2 °C above setpoint
Checking Focuser ... Ok Tube Temp: 13.7 °C
Selecting Pointing Mode ... Ok Higher Precision Pointing (up to 4 locate images)
Selecting N/W offset ... Ok N 0.0, W 0.0 [arc mins]
Selecting Locate Exp ... Ok 5s (Zone: 1-2, GPOffset 10.1, Alt 28.1)
Checking position (1)
Taking 5s image (C)... Ok [00614001] 00:30:33 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok Stars 45, Scale 1.333, Angle 179.5°
Analysing stars ... Ok (Stars= 32/47)
Normalised ZP 20.70
Altitude 28.2 deg (Airmass 2.119)
Sky Brightness 29.72 ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 473 ADU, dark: 209.1 ADU(C)
FWHM 3.5 arc sec (bright: 3.4, next4: 38.5)
Reviewing position (1)... Ok Position error: 5.3 arc mins
Jogging ... Ok Correction: 5.0 arc mins
Checking position (2)
Taking 5s image (C)... Ok [00614002] 00:31:42 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok Stars 59, Scale 1.333, Angle 179.5°
Analysing stars ... Ok (Stars= 48/61)
Normalised ZP 21.18
Altitude 28.3 deg (Airmass 2.105)
Sky Brightness 29.13 ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 463 ADU, dark: 204.1 ADU(C)
FWHM 3.0 arc sec (bright: 3.2, next4: 3.1)
Reviewing position (2)... Ok Position error: 0.7 arc mins
Jogging ... Ok Correction: 0.4 arc mins
Acceptance test ... Passed Pointing within 1.5 arc mins
Image Group 1/3 [GSet 2]
Taking 15s image (V)... Ok [00614003] 00:32:45 (UT) Full 3x3 15s V
Taking 10s image (R)... Ok [00614004] 00:33:17 (UT) Full 3x3 10s R
Image Group 2/3 [GSet 3]
Taking 15s image (V)... Ok [00614005] 00:33:51 (UT) Full 3x3 15s V
Taking 10s image (R)... Ok [00614006] 00:34:24 (UT) Full 3x3 10s R
Image Group 3/3 [GSet 4]
Taking 15s image (V)... Ok [00614007] 00:34:58 (UT) Full 3x3 15s V
Taking 10s image (R)...
Observatory Alert 2018-07-23 01:35 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions: Alert Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
Session Suspended 2018-07-23 01:35 (Local)
Session: 2018-07-22 Info Session suspended
Ok [00614008] 00:35:30 (UT) Full 3x3 10s R
(..)
Close Shutter... Ok Shutter is closing...
Observatory Manager: Info Shutter Can Open
Session: 2018-07-22 Script Paused ...
Close Shutter... Ok Shutter is closed (45s)
Observatory Manager: Info Opening Shutter
Open Shutter... Ok Shutter is opening...
Observatory Alert 2018-07-23 01:46 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions: Alert Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
Close Shutter... Ok Shutter is closing...
Observatory Manager: Info Opening Shutter
Open Shutter... Ok Shutter is open (10s)
Observatory Alert 2018-07-23 01:46 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions: Alert Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
Session Suspended 2018-07-23 01:46 (Local)
Session: 2018-07-22 Info Session suspended
(..)
Close Shutter... Ok Shutter is closed (45s)
Observatory Manager: Info Opening Shutter
Open Shutter...
Open Shutter... Ok Shutter is opening...
Open Shutter... Ok Shutter is open (45s)
Observatory Alert 2018-07-23 01:49 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions: Alert Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
Session Suspended 2018-07-23 01:49 (Local)
Session: 2018-07-22 Info Session suspended
(..)
Close Shutter... Ok Shutter is closing...
Observatory Manager: Info Opening Shutter
Open Shutter...
Open Shutter... Ok Shutter is opening...
Observatory Alert 2018-07-23 01:49 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions: Alert Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
Observatory Manager: Info Opening Shutter
Open Shutter... Ok Shutter is open (35s)
Observatory Alert 2018-07-23 01:51 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions: Alert Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
Session Suspended 2018-07-23 01:51 (Local)
Session: 2018-07-22 Info Session suspended
(..)
Observatory Manager: Info Opening Shutter
Open Shutter...
Open Shutter... Ok Shutter is opening...
Open Shutter... Ok Shutter is open (65s)
SAC Berk 10 (17/25) 2018-07-23 02:05 (Local)
Target: Ok SAC Berk 10 (ID: 171)
Object Type: Open Cluster
Constellation: CAM
Comment:
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped
Hickson 60 (18/25) 2018-07-23 02:05 (Local)
Target: Ok Hickson 60 (ID: 132)
Object Type: Galaxy Cluster
Constellation: UMa
Comment:
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped
NGC 6905 (19/25) 2018-07-23 02:05 (Local)
Target: Ok NGC 6905 (ID: 52)
Object Type: Pl. Neb
Constellation: DEL
Comment: Herschel IV-16
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped
NGC 7009 (20/25) 2018-07-23 02:05 (Local)
Target: Ok NGC 7009 (ID: 58)
Object Type: Pl. Neb
Constellation: AQR
Comment: Caldwell 55
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped
NGC 7094 (21/25) 2018-07-23 02:05 (Local)
Target: Ok NGC 7094 (ID: 34)
Object Type: Pl. Neb
Constellation: PEG
Comment:
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Ok Wait till 02:09 to commence target (3.8 mins)
Waiting till 02:09... Ok Continue
Checking Target ... Ok RA: 21 36 52.999, Dec: +12 47 22.00, J2000 (NGC 7094)
Checking Altitude ... Ok Altitude 45.1 degs
Checking Airmass ... Ok Airmass 1.41
Checking Declination... Ok Dec 12.87 degs
Slewing ... Ok
Waiting for scope... Ok 4.0s
Delay (1s) ... Ok
Checking Dome Position ... Ok
Checking CCD Temp... Warning Temp [-12.7 °C] is 2.3 °C above setpoint
Checking Focuser ... Ok Tube Temp: 13.5 °C
Selecting Pointing Mode ... Ok Higher Precision Pointing (up to 4 locate images)
Selecting N/W offset ... Ok N 0.0, W 0.0 [arc mins]
Selecting Locate Exp ... Ok 10s (Zone: 2-2, GPOffset 28.2, Alt 45.1)
Checking position (1)
Taking 10s image (C)... Ok [00614009] 01:09:49 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok Stars 24, Scale 1.333, Angle 179.7°
Analysing stars ... Ok (Stars= 22/24)
Normalised ZP 20.33
Altitude 45.1 deg (Airmass 1.412)
Sky Brightness 29.05 ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 717 ADU, dark: 201.1 ADU(C)
FWHM 3.5 arc sec (bright: 3.3, next4: 3.8)
Reviewing position (1)... Ok Position error: 11.6 arc mins
Jogging ... Ok Correction: 11.1 arc mins
Checking position (2)
Taking 10s image (C)... Ok [00614010] 01:11:20 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok Stars 31, Scale 1.332, Angle 179.7°
Analysing stars ... Ok (Stars= 26/31)
Normalised ZP 20.45
Altitude 45.2 deg (Airmass 1.409)
Sky Brightness 30.04 ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 734 ADU, dark: 201.1 ADU(C)
FWHM 3.0 arc sec (bright: 3.6, next4: 4.1)
Reviewing position (2)... Ok Position error: 0.6 arc mins
Jogging ... Ok Correction: 0.5 arc mins
Acceptance test ... Passed Pointing within 1.5 arc mins
Taking 90s image (C)... Ok [00614011] 01:12:39 (UT) Full 3x3 90s C
Taking 90s image (C)...
Observatory Alert 2018-07-23 02:15 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions: Alert Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
Session Suspended 2018-07-23 02:15 (Local)
Session: 2018-07-22 Info Session suspended
Ok [00614012] 01:14:24 (UT) Full 3x3 90s C
Script Paused ...
(..)
Close Shutter... Ok Shutter is closed (45s)
Observatory Manager: Info Opening Shutter
Open Shutter...
Open Shutter... Ok Shutter is opening...
Open Shutter... Ok Shutter is open (45s)
Taking 90s image (C)...
Observatory Alert 2018-07-23 02:18 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions: Alert Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
Session Suspended 2018-07-23 02:18 (Local)
Session: 2018-07-22 Info Session suspended
(..)
Close Shutter... Ok Shutter is closing...
Observatory Manager: Info Opening Shutter
Open Shutter...
Open Shutter... Ok Shutter is opening...
Observatory Alert 2018-07-23 02:18 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions: Alert Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
Observatory Manager: Info Opening Shutter
Open Shutter... Ok Shutter is open (10s)
Observatory Alert 2018-07-23 02:19 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions: Alert Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
Session Suspended 2018-07-23 02:19 (Local)
Session: 2018-07-22 Info Session suspended
Ok [00614013] 01:18:03 (UT) Full 3x3 90s C
Script Paused ...
(..)
Close Shutter... Ok Shutter is closed (45s)
Observatory Manager: Info Opening Shutter
Open Shutter...
Open Shutter... Ok Shutter is opening...
Observatory Alert 2018-07-23 02:25 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions: Alert Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
Close Shutter... Ok Shutter is closing...
Observatory Manager: Info Opening Shutter
Observatory Alert 2018-07-23 02:25 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions: Alert Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
Close Shutter... Ok Shutter is closed (35s)
Observatory Manager: Info Opening Shutter
Observatory Alert 2018-07-23 02:27 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions: Alert Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
Close Shutter... Ok Shutter is closing...
Observatory Manager: Info Opening Shutter
Observatory Alert 2018-07-23 02:27 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions: Alert Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
Observatory Manager: Info Opening Shutter
Observatory Alert 2018-07-23 02:27 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions: Alert Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
Close Shutter... Ok Shutter is closed (10s)
Observatory Manager: Info Opening Shutter
Observatory Alert 2018-07-23 02:28 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions: Alert Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
Close Shutter... Ok Shutter is closing...
Observatory Manager: Info Opening Shutter
Observatory Alert 2018-07-23 02:28 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions: Alert Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
Observatory Manager: Info Opening Shutter
Observatory Alert 2018-07-23 02:28 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions: Alert Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
Observatory Manager: Info Opening Shutter
Observatory Alert 2018-07-23 02:29 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions: Alert Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
Close Shutter... Ok Shutter is closed (30s)
Observatory Manager: Info Opening Shutter
Open Shutter... Ok Shutter is open (154s)
Taking 90s image (C)... Ok [00614014] 01:32:15 (UT) Full 3x3 90s C
Taking 90s image (C)... Ok [00614015] 01:34:00 (UT) Full 3x3 90s C
NGC 6834 (22/25) 2018-07-23 02:35 (Local)
Target: Ok NGC 6834 (ID: 62)
Object Type: Open Cluster
Constellation: CYG
Comment:
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped
NGC 7128 (23/25) 2018-07-23 02:35 (Local)
Target: Ok NGC 7128 (ID: 60)
Object Type: Open Cluster
Constellation: CYG
Comment:
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped
GCVS Z And (24/25) 2018-07-23 02:35 (Local)
Target: Ok GCVS Z And (ID: 23)
Object Type: Symbiotic variable
Constellation: AND
Comment: And Z
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped
WDS GRB 34 (25/25) 2018-07-23 02:35 (Local)
Target: Ok WDS GRB 34 (ID: 204)
Object Type:
Constellation: AND
Comment:
Observation Type: 1
Checking Start Time ... Ok Wait till 02:41 to commence target (5.8 mins)
Waiting till 02:41... Ok Continue
Checking Target ... Ok RA: 00 18 22.900, Dec: +44 01 22.99, J2000 (WDS GRB 34)
Checking Altitude ... Ok Altitude 61.5 degs
Checking Airmass ... Ok Airmass 1.14
Checking Declination... Ok Dec 44.12 degs
Slewing ... Ok
Waiting for scope... Ok 3.0s
Delay (1s) ... Ok
Checking Dome Position ... Ok
Checking CCD Temp... Warning Temp [-12.3 °C] is 2.7 °C above setpoint
Checking Focuser ... Ok Tube Temp: 13.1 °C
Selecting Pointing Mode ... Ok Higher Precision Pointing (up to 4 locate images)
Selecting N/W offset ... Ok N 0.0, W 0.0 [arc mins]
Selecting Locate Exp ... Ok 5s (Zone: 2-1, GPOffset 18.4, Alt 61.5)
Checking position (1)
Taking 5s image (C)... Ok [00614016] 01:41:18 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok Stars 41, Scale 1.332, Angle 179.7°
Analysing stars ... Ok (Stars= 36/41)
Normalised ZP 21.53
Altitude 61.6 deg (Airmass 1.137)
Sky Brightness 47.09 ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 619 ADU, dark: 201.2 ADU(C)
FWHM 3.0 arc sec (bright: 6.2, next4: 2.8)
Reviewing position (1)... Ok Position error: 2.5 arc mins
Jogging ... Ok Correction: 2.2 arc mins
Checking position (2)
Taking 5s image (C)... Ok [00614017] 01:42:45 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok Stars 45, Scale 1.332, Angle 179.7°
Analysing stars ... Ok (Stars= 39/45)
Normalised ZP 21.54
Altitude 61.8 deg (Airmass 1.135)
Sky Brightness 44.11 ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 593 ADU, dark: 201.5 ADU(C)
FWHM 3.0 arc sec (bright: 5.8, next4: 2.8)
Reviewing position (2)... Ok Position error: 1.4 arc mins
Jogging ... Ok Correction: 1.2 arc mins
Acceptance test ... Passed Pointing within 1.5 arc mins
Taking 2s image (S)...
Updating Setpoint... Ok -10 °C
Ok [00614018] 01:44:23 (UT) Full 3x3 2s S
Taking 2s image (S)... Ok [00614019] 01:44:37 (UT) Full 3x3 2s S
Taking 2s image (S)... Ok [00614020] 01:44:52 (UT) Full 3x3 2s S
Taking 2s image (S)... Ok [00614021] 01:45:06 (UT) Full 3x3 2s S
Taking 2s image (S)... Ok [00614022] 01:45:20 (UT) Full 3x3 2s S
Operation... Completed
Session Closing 2018-07-23 02:45 (Local)
Closing Session...
Closing Down Observatory 2018-07-23 02:45 (Local)
Turnoff CCD cooling ... Ok
Dome Slaving: Off
Park Dome 2018-07-23 02:45 (Local)
Park Telescope ... Ok Parking Scope via POTH.Telescope command
Disconnect Telescope ... Ok
Disconnect focuser ... Ok
Wait for CCD to re-warm ...
Wait for CCD to re-warm ... Ok
Disconnect Camera ... Ok
(..)
Close Shutter... Ok Shutter is closed (1,062s)
Park Dome... Ok Dome is Parked
Park Scope ..
Park Scope .. Ok Scope is parked
Session Housekeeping 2018-07-23 02:46 (Local)
Finishing Session... Info 2018-07-22
Cleanup FITS file names in ./New folder
Preparing to clean-up file names
22 fits files have been cleaned up
Create FITS summary file of ./New folder
Preparing to transfer New files
22 fits files have been examined in ./New folder
Transfer New Files to ./_Raw folder
Preparing to transfer New files
Copying .fits files ...
Copying Fits Summary.dat
22 fits files have been copied to the ./_RAW folder (Total : 15.1 MB)
0 images have been copied to the ./_RAW/_FOCUS folder (Total : 0.0 MB)
Operation... Completed
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| This Web Page: | Notes - Session 614.1 (2018-07-22) |
| Last Updated : | 2023-11-29 |
| Site Owner : | David Richards |
| Home Page : | David's Astronomy Web Site |