David's Astronomy Pages Notes - Session 1145 (2023-09-16)

Notes (S1144)

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Notes (S1146)

	Session Aims & Highlights
	- Observing Result  - Night Summary Plot  - Session Event Log
	Operational Issues
	- Critical Issues (0),  Major Issues (1),  Minor Issues (2),  Small Defects (0),  Continuous Improvement (1)
	Images from 2023-09-16 >>

Session Aims & Highlights (2023-09-16)

Main aims

1. Targets.  Acquire images of a selection of variable stars, nearby stars, comets & deep sky targets as allowed by sky conditions
2. Older Supernova. Continue to acquire 'post-SN' images of selected galaxies that were hosts to older 2022 & 2023 Supernovae in order to demonstrate that SN have faded and are no longer visible.

 Equipment & Software

• 12" LX200 and ST-10XME
• 80mm APO and ZWO ASI 178MC
• CCDApp2, TheSky6, CCDSoft5, DeviceHub 6.6.1.1,  MeadeGeneric 1.3.5.414, UPB 1.5, ASCOM 6.6
• Pegasus UPB & Motor Focus, TCF-S
• SharpCap 3.2, PHD2  2.6.11dev4, Siril 1.0.6, deCONZ 1.18.2, ASCOM 6.6 SP1
   
• AstroMain 3.62.12, AstroPlan 1.38.2,   AstroShCap 1.3.15, AstroGuard 1.10.2
  AstroVOE 1.13  AstroSN 1.10,  AstroProtect 1.7,  AstroMove 1.12.4
  (AstroWeather 1.21.2, AstroAllSky 3.19.1,  AstroObsCam 1.11.4, AstroLaunch 1.10.9 (1.11.1 on Dev Computer)

Highlights

• Targets. 20/22 planned target were completed, with 2 other targets partially completed. 
• Older Supernova. Images acquired of galaxies that contained earlier supernova that have since faded (xxx). Attempts to image xxx likely failed due to cloud /poor sky transparency and will be repeated at some point.
•  Dome Slews. 11 dome slews were affected by significant hold-up with delays up of 216s (Hold Up Stats: 11/26 slews affected, 42%, 14.3 minutes total hold-up time). 

Notes:

• Aurora recorded from the Observatory on night 2023-09-16 / 2023-09-17 over an x  hour period
   (see Aurora Images/Video from 2023-09-16)
  
  

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 21:17:11 Session Monitoring AutoStart monitoring for Live Session opportunity between 21:17 & 04:35 21:17:14   AutoStart Delayed Session delayed due to cloud 21:18:00 Session AutoStarting Session autostarting (21:18) 21:18:20   CCDSoft Restarting CCDSoft being restarted (to set AutoSave No.) 21:18:33 Session Created Session Created (Live, 2023-09-16 S01145, ImageSaveNum: 1145001) 21:19:00   Scope Switched On Telescope Power has been switched on via UPB Powerbox. 21:20:48   Services Started Observatory Services started 21:20:55 Observatory (Auto) Observatory placed in Fully-Automated Mode 21:20:57 Session Pending Session pending (2023-09-16) 21:20:59 Session Initiating Session initiating (2023-09-16) 21:21:01   Plan Requested Observing Plan requested from AstroPlan (1.38.2) 21:21:50   Plan Loaded Observing Plan loaded to queue (Plan ID: 919) 21:22:10   Camera1 Connected SBIG Camera connected (set point -15°C) 21:22:47   Telescope Connected Telescope connected (TheSky6) 21:23:11 Session Equilibration Session ready to Open Dome 21:23:56   Dome Opened Dome opened (opening time 45s) 21:24:01 Session Running Session running 21:24:04   Queue Started Observing Queue started (22 targets selected) 21:24:07     Target Started (NrZen) Target started (Focus Field 20, HIP 98535) 21:24:22       Dome Unparked Dome unparked 21:28:15       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 21:30:36       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 1, wide) 21:32:38       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 1) 21:32:39       Focusing Started-Foc2 Foc2 Focusing Started (Secondary Scope, using ShCap) 21:34:48       Focusing Completed Foc2 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 2, wide) 21:36:30       Focusing Completed Foc2 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 2) 21:36:47     Target Completed (NrZen) Target completed (Focus Field 20, HIP 98535) 21:37:27     Target Started (1/22) Target started (1/22, UGC 6983 w/SN2022pru) 21:42:13       Focusing Skipped Foc1 focusing skipped - star is lost (TCF-S) 21:58:28     Target Completed Target completed (1/22, UGC 6983 w/SN2022pru) 21:59:47     Target Started (2/22) Target started (2/22, M108 w/SN2023dbc) 22:04:08       Focusing Skipped Foc1 focusing skipped - star is too dim (TCF-S) 22:20:05     Target Completed Target completed (2/22, M108 w/SN2023dbc) 22:22:07     Target Started (3/22) Target started (3/22, M101 w/SN2023ixf) 22:25:06       Focusing Skipped Foc1 focusing skipped - star is too dim (TCF-S) 22:41:08     Target Completed Target completed (3/22, M101 w/SN2023ixf) 22:44:07     Target Started (4/22) Target started (4/22, AT2023rsr (CV)) 22:48:06       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 22:50:01       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 3) 22:55:50     Target Completed Target completed (4/22, AT2023rsr (CV)) 22:56:07     Target Started (5/22) Target started (5/22, NGC 1272 w/AT2023seo) 22:58:52       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 23:01:23       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 4) 23:17:21     Target Completed Target completed (5/22, NGC 1272 w/AT2023seo) 23:18:27     Target Started (6/22) Target started (6/22, IC 458 w/SN2023rgp) 23:21:54       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 23:24:12       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 5) 23:40:01     Target Completed Target completed (6/22, IC 458 w/SN2023rgp) 23:40:47     Target Started (7/22) Target started (7/22, UGC 11858 w/SN2023rjj) 23:43:51     Dome Slew Dome slew held up at Az. 38.7, 39.4, 155.6, 157.8° (Total delay 69s) 23:46:12       Focusing Skipped Foc1 focusing skipped - star is too dim (TCF-S) 00:02:35     Target Completed Target completed (7/22, UGC 11858 w/SN2023rjj) 00:03:07     Target Started (8/22) Target started (8/22, C/2023 E1 (ATLAS)) 00:07:23       Focusing Skipped Foc1 focusing skipped - star is too dim (TCF-S) 00:20:46     Target Completed Target completed (8/22, C/2023 E1 (ATLAS)) 00:22:42     Target Started (9/22) Target started (9/22, C/2022 A2 (PANSTARRS)) 00:25:42       Focusing Skipped Foc1 focusing skipped - star is too dim (TCF-S) 00:31:38     Target Completed Target completed (9/22, C/2022 A2 (PANSTARRS)) 00:35:02     Target Started (10/22) Target started (10/22, AT2023rud) 00:36:24     Dome Slew Dome slew held up at Az. 158.2° (Delay 43s) 00:38:46       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 00:40:57       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 6) 00:57:08     Target Completed Target completed (10/22, AT2023rud) 00:57:22     Target Started (11/22) Target started (11/22, AT2023rfq) 01:00:30     Dome Slew Dome slew held up at Az. 157.8° (Delay 93s) 01:02:36       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 01:05:03       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 7) 01:20:50     Target Completed Target completed (11/22, AT2023rfq) 01:20:54     Target Started (12/22) Target started (12/22, GCVS BL Lac) 01:22:57     Dome Slew Dome slew held up at Az. 248.3° (Delay 91s) 01:25:04       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 01:27:15       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 8) 01:31:08     Target Completed Target completed (12/22, GCVS BL Lac) 01:31:12     Target Started (13/22) Target started (13/22, AT2023rgi) 01:34:01       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 01:36:12       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 9) 01:51:59     Target Completed Target completed (13/22, AT2023rgi) 01:52:03     Target Started (14/22) Target started (14/22, NGC 205 w/AT2023sqw) 01:56:09     Dome Slew Dome slew held up at Az. 269.4, 268.7, 266.3, 260.6, 248.4° (Total delay 216s) 01:58:39       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 02:00:49       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 10) 02:16:35     Target Completed Target completed (14/22, NGC 205 w/AT2023sqw) 02:16:39     Target Started (15/22) Target started (15/22, AT2023rao (CV)) 02:19:37       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 02:21:56       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 11) 02:38:07     Target Completed Target completed (15/22, AT2023rao (CV)) 02:38:11     Target Started (16/22) Target started (16/22, NGC 1086 w/SN2023rix) 02:40:34     Dome Slew Dome slew held up at Az. 222.3, 221.6, 157.4° (Total delay 62s) 02:43:21       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 02:45:45       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 12) 03:01:48     Target Completed Target completed (16/22, NGC 1086 w/SN2023rix) 03:01:53     Target Started (17/22) Target started (17/22, AT2023htu) 03:05:34       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 03:07:30       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 13) 03:23:29     Target Completed Target completed (17/22, AT2023htu) 03:23:33     Target Started (18/22) Target started (18/22, UGC 3174 w/SN2023mut) 03:26:48       Focusing Skipped Foc1 focusing skipped - star is too dim (TCF-S) 03:42:43     Target Completed Target completed (18/22, UGC 3174 w/SN2023mut) 03:42:47     Target Started (19/22) Target started (19/22, NGC 2326 w/SN2023pgb) 03:46:17       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 03:48:43       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 14) 04:04:46     Target Completed Target completed (19/22, NGC 2326 w/SN2023pgb) 04:04:50     Target Started (20/22) Target started (20/22, LEDA 1488100 w/SN2023olz) 04:08:28       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 04:10:40       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 15) 04:26:40     Target Completed Target completed (20/22, LEDA 1488100 w/SN2023olz) 04:27:00     Target Started (21/22) Target started (21/22, NGC 1461 w/AT2023och) 04:31:21       Focusing Skipped Foc1 focusing skipped - star is lost (TCF-S) 04:34:59   Critical Cloud Alert Critical Cloud Alert (Obs.Manager will close the Dome) 04:35:01   HardSuspend Called Hard Suspend is called due to Critical Conditions (cloud) 04:35:04     Target Aborted (21/22) Target aborted (21/22, NGC 1461 w/AT2023och) due to cloud 04:35:06   Queue Paused Queue paused for Session Suspension 04:35:08 Session Suspending Session suspending 04:35:54   Dome Closed Dome closed (closing time 50s) 04:35:56 Session Suspended Session suspended 04:41:09 Session Resuming Session resuming 04:41:55   Dome Opened Dome opened (opening time 45s) 04:41:57 Session Running Session running 04:41:59   Queue Resumed Observing Queue resumed 04:42:00     Target Started (21/22) Target started (21/22, NGC 1461 w/AT2023och) 04:44:00       SoftSuspend Called Soft Suspend is called due to Deteriorating Conditions (reducing clarity) 04:45:10   Critical Cloud Alert Critical Cloud Alert (Obs.Manager will close the Dome) 04:45:12   HardSuspend Called Hard Suspend is called due to Critical Conditions (cloud) 04:45:15     Target Aborted (21/22) Target aborted (21/22, NGC 1461 w/AT2023och) due to cloud 04:45:17   Queue Paused Queue paused for Session Suspension 04:45:19 Session Suspending Session suspending 04:46:05   Dome Closed Dome closed (closing time 50s) 04:46:07 Session Suspended Session suspended 04:57:16 Session Resuming Session resuming 04:58:02   Dome Opened Dome opened (opening time 45s) 04:58:04 Session Running Session running 04:58:06   Queue Resumed Observing Queue resumed 04:58:08     Target Started (22/22) Target started (22/22, UGC 4269 w/SN2023dxb) 05:00:03     Dome Slew Dome slew held up at Az. 157.5° (Delay 54s) 05:02:42   Critical Cloud Alert Critical Cloud Alert (Obs.Manager will close the Dome) 05:02:44   HardSuspend Called Hard Suspend is called due to Critical Conditions (cloud) 05:02:47     Target Aborted (22/22) Target aborted (22/22, UGC 4269 w/SN2023dxb) due to cloud 05:02:49   Queue Paused Queue paused for Session Suspension 05:02:51 Session Suspending Session suspending 05:03:37   Dome Closed Dome closed (closing time 50s) 05:03:39 Session Suspended Session suspended 05:06:38 Session Resuming Session resuming 05:07:23   Dome Opened Dome opened (opening time 45s) 05:07:25 Session Running Session running 05:07:27   Queue Resumed Observing Queue resumed 05:07:29     Target Started (22/22) Target started (22/22, UGC 4269 w/SN2023dxb) 05:15:04   Critical Cloud Alert Critical Cloud Alert (Obs.Manager will close the Dome) 05:15:06   HardSuspend Called Hard Suspend is called due to Critical Conditions (cloud) 05:15:08     Target Aborted (22/22) Target aborted (22/22, UGC 4269 w/SN2023dxb) due to cloud 05:15:10   Queue Paused Queue paused for Session Suspension 05:15:12 Session Suspending Session suspending 05:15:59   Dome Closed Dome closed (closing time 50s) 05:16:01 Session Suspended Session suspended 05:17:56     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (22/22, UGC 4269 w/SN2023dxb) due to cloud 05:18:01   Queue Completed Job Queue completed 05:18:04 Session Closing Session closing 05:18:09   Dome Closed Dome already closed (closed at 05:15, closing time 50s) 05:18:29   Dome Parked Dome parked (parking time 12s), Az: 90.1 deg 05:19:50   Telescope Parked Telescope parked (parking time 75s) 05:20:05   Telescope State Handbox reads 'Scope parked Turn scope off.' 05:20:27   Telescope Switched Off Telescope Power has been switched off via UPB Switch. 05:21:52   Services Stopped Night Services stopped 05:21:54 Session Housekeeping Session Housekeeping started (Create Fits Summary, Transfer Files) 05:22:09 Session Finished Session Finished

Session Alerts & Alarms

Time     Type       Name Detail 23:43:51 Yellow Alert Dome Slew Dome slew held up at Az. 38.7, 39.4, 155.6, 157.8° (Total delay 69s) 00:36:24 Yellow Alert Dome Slew Dome slew held up at Az. 158.2° (Delay 43s) 00:57:31 Yellow Alert Anomalous Dome Slew Dome slew resumed at Az 152.4° (T+4.3s) 01:00:30 Yellow Alert Dome Slew Dome slew held up at Az. 157.8° (Delay 93s) 01:22:57 Yellow Alert Dome Slew Dome slew held up at Az. 248.3° (Delay 91s) 01:56:09 Red Alert Dome Slew Dome slew held up at Az. 269.4, 268.7, 266.3, 260.6, 248.4° (Total delay 216s) 01:56:18 Yellow Alert Dome Discrepency Difference between Dome Az and Telescope Az is > 8 deg (NGC 205) 01:56:20 Yellow Alert Dome Discrepency Difference between Dome Az and Slave Az is > 1 deg (NGC 205) 02:40:34 Yellow Alert Dome Slew Dome slew held up at Az. 222.3, 221.6, 157.4° (Total delay 62s) 05:00:03 Yellow Alert Dome Slew Dome slew held up at Az. 157.5° (Delay 54s)

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Operational Issues (2023-09-16, S1145)

• Critical Issues (0)
• Major Issues (1)
• Minor Issues (2)
• Small Defects (0)
• Continuous Improvement (1)
  

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Critical Issues

• None

Major Issues

• Dome Slews were badly affected by hold-ups during the session. 7 dome slews (29%) were affected by significant hold-up,  with individual delays up of 216s (Hold Up Stats: 7/24 slews affected, 29%, 11.4 minutes total hold-up time).  This wasted around 11 minutes of time. Fortunately it didn't lead to any lost targets.  Issue was previously improved by an adjustment to the Dome's Drive Wheel tension but still occurs occasionally (e.g. S1142, S1143, S1145) but are interpersed with other sessions (eg S1140, S1141, S1144) where there were no or very few hold-ups.   Is dew during the session a conrtibuting factor.  Dome Wheels to be checked and dome flange cleaned / dried. Next few sessions to be monitored for any further incidents and pattern.   Problem was evenually found to be due to a loose/worn drive wheel connector. A replacement Drive Wheel & Connector eventually arrived on 2023-11-17 and was successfully installed in the Observatory (See Pulsar Dome - Replacement Rotation Drive Wheel, 2023-11-17 ).
  Fixed 2023-11-17 (Observatory, Pulsar Dome)

Minor Issues

• There were no ObsCam Images during the Session.  Fortunately there were no dome or telescope issues that would have benefited from later diagnosis of ObsCam Pictures. Investigating suggests that following a likely Windows Update & Restart of the AllSky/WeatherComputer AstroObsCam program and service was started, but the Camera didn't connect (ie User Error). Resolved post-session (2023-09-17). A separate Continuous Improvement ticket has been raised to make the AstroObsCam program/service automatically attempt to connect the camera if it isn't connected by the user (particularly if a live session is running).
  Closed 2023-09-17 (AllSky/WeatherComputer, AstroObsCam).
   
• Unable to open VNC connection from IPad to Development Computer (post-session).  VNC connection to new Development Computer could be achieved (this hindered the process of monitoring and updating of Reduction operations from IPad.  Eventually resolved 2023-09-19 when it was realised that the connected device/IP was pointing to old Development Computer (Laptop10) instead of the new replacement (Laptop11). A new VNC connection to IP Address of Laptop11 was setup and saved on Ipad.
  Fixed 2023-09-19 (IPad, Development Computer).

Small Defects

• None

Continuous Improvement

• Modify AstroObsCam program to automatically Connect to Camera if User has forgotten.  There were no ObsCam Images during the Session S1145. Fortunately there were no dome or telescope issues that would have benefited from later diagnosis of ObsCam Pictures. Investigating suggests that following a likely Windows Update & Restart of the AllSky/WeatherComputer AstroObsCam program and service was started, but the Camera didn't connect (ie User Error). It is proposed that  the AstroObsCam program/service automatically attempts to connect the camera if it isn't connected by the user (particularly if a live session is running).
  To do 2023-09-17 (AstroObsCam 1.11.5).

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