David's Astronomy - Notes 2023-10-16 (S1157)

David's Astronomy Pages
Notes - Session 1157 (2023-10-16)

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(S1156)

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Notes
(S1158)

	2023-10-19

	Session Aims & Highlights
	- Observing Result - Night Summary Plot - Session Event Log

	Operational Issues
	- Critical Issues (0), Major Issues (0), Minor Issues (2), Small Defects (13), Continuous Improvement (15)

	Images from 2023-10-16 >>

	Storm Babet

Session Aims & Highlights (2023-10-16)

Main aims

Targets. Acquire images of a selection of variable stars, nearby stars, comets & deep sky targets as allowed by sky conditions.
AstroMain. Check new AstroMain version (3.63) for recent fixes and improvements.

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 3.63, AstroPlan 1.38.7 AstroShCap 1.3.15, AstroGuard 1.10.2
AstroVOE 1.13 AstroSN 1.10, AstroProtect 1.7, AstroMove 1.12.6
(AstroWeather 1.22, AstroAllSky 3.19.5, AstroObsCam 1.11.4, AstroLaunch 1.11.1

Highlights

Targets. 6/8 planned targets were completed. One target (M101) failed due to cloud and another target (BL Lac) failed due to 'missed start'.
AstroMain. No issues with new AstroMain version (3.63)
Dome Slews. 3 dome slews enountered significant hold-ups with delays of 34 - 60s.
(Hold Up Stats: 3/8 slews affected, 38%, 2.9 minutes total hold-up time). Dome parked ok.

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
21:21:46	Session Monitoring	AutoStart monitoring for Live Session opportunity between 21:21 & 05:41
21:21:51	AutoStart Delayed	Session delayed due to cloud
03:48:04	Session AutoStarting	Session autostarting (03:48)
03:48:14	CCDSoft Restarting	CCDSoft being restarted (to set AutoSave No.)
03:48:39	Camera1 Connected	SBIG Camera connected (set point -20°C)
03:48:41	Session Created	Session Created (Live, 2023-10-16 S01157, ImageSaveNum: 1157001)
03:48:46	Scope Switched On	Telescope Power has been switched on via UPB Powerbox.
03:50:32	Services Started	Observatory Services started
03:50:39	Observatory (Auto)	Observatory placed in Fully-Automated Mode
03:50:41	Session Pending	Session pending (2023-10-16)
03:50:43	Session Initiating	Session initiating (2023-10-16)
03:50:45	Plan Requested	Observing Plan requested from AstroPlan (1.38.7)
03:52:21	Plan Loaded	Observing Plan loaded to queue (Plan ID: 931)
03:52:36	Camera1 Connected	SBIG Camera connected (set point -20°C)
03:53:11	Telescope Connected	Telescope connected (TheSky6)
03:53:35	Session Equilibration	Session ready to Open Dome
03:53:45	Wait On Weather	Waiting for acceptable conditions
03:53:47	Session Suspending	Session suspending
03:53:49	Dome Closed	Dome already closed
03:53:51	Session Suspended	Session suspended
03:54:17	Queue Started	Observing Queue started (8 targets selected)
04:26:27	Target Cancelled	Target cancelled (1/8, M101 w/SN2023ixf) due to cloud
04:30:22	Session Resuming	Session resuming
04:31:07	Dome Opened	Dome opened (opening time 45s)
04:31:10	Session Running	Session running
04:31:12	Queue Resumed	Observing Queue resumed
04:31:14	Target Started (NrZen)	Target started (Focus Field 5, HIP 23569)
04:31:25	Dome Unparked	Dome unparked
04:33:54	Focusing Started-Foc1	Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S)
04:36:17	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 1, wide)
04:38:12	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 1)
04:38:15	Focusing Started-Foc2	Foc2 Focusing Started (Secondary Scope, using ShCap)
04:40:08	Focusing Completed	Foc2 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 2, wide)
04:41:51	Focusing Completed	Foc2 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 2)
04:42:08	Target Completed (NrZen)	Target completed (Focus Field 5, HIP 23569)
04:42:10	Target Missed (2/8)	Target's time slot was missed (2/8, GCVS BL Lac)
04:42:12	Target Started (3/8)	Target started (3/8, Nova Cas 2021)
04:44:29	Dome Slew	Dome slew held up at Az. 195.4, 263.8, 307.2° (Total delay 34s)
04:47:20	Focusing Started-Foc1	Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S)
04:49:18	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 3)
05:01:59	Target Completed	Target completed (3/8, Nova Cas 2021)
05:02:03	Target Started (4/8)	Target started (4/8, M31 w/Nova M31 AT2023trk)
05:25:02	Target Completed	Target completed (4/8, M31 w/Nova M31 AT2023trk)
05:25:06	Target Started (5/8)	Target started (5/8, 103P/Hartley)
05:28:09	Dome Slew	Dome slew held up at Az. 264.3, 247.4, 223.0, 222.4, 189.4, 144.2° (Total delay 60s)
05:41:26	Target Completed	Target completed (5/8, 103P/Hartley)
05:41:30	Target Started (6/8)	Target started (6/8, NGC 2708 w/SN2023bee)
06:00:54	Target Completed	Target completed (6/8, NGC 2708 w/SN2023bee)
06:00:58	Target Started (7/8)	Target started (7/8, AT2023cub (CV))
06:04:03	Focusing Started-Foc1	Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S)
06:06:03	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 4)
06:12:06	Target Completed	Target completed (7/8, AT2023cub (CV))
06:12:11	Target Started (8/8)	Target started (8/8, GCVS SY Cnc)
06:13:37	Dome Slew	Dome slew held up at Az. 169.5, 161.1, 152.5, 144.3° (Total delay 43s)
06:16:34	Focusing Skipped	Foc1 focusing skipped - star is too dim (TCF-S)
06:19:51	Target Completed	Target completed (8/8, GCVS SY Cnc)
06:19:54	Queue Completed	Job Queue completed
06:19:56	Session Closing	Session closing
06:20:49	Dome Closed	Dome closed (closing time 50s)
06:21:56	Dome Parked	Dome parked (parking time 59s), Az: 90.1 deg
06:23:11	Telescope Parked	Telescope parked (parking time 70s)
06:23:26	Telescope State	Handbox reads 'Scope parked Turn scope off.'
06:23:48	Telescope Switched Off	Telescope Power has been switched off via UPB Switch.
06:25:12	Services Stopped	Night Services stopped
06:25:15	Session Housekeeping	Session Housekeeping started (Create Fits Summary, Transfer Files)
06:25:25	Session Finished	Session Finished

Session Alerts & Alarms

Time	Type		Name	Detail
03:50:39	Yellow	Alert	Disk Space	Free Space on C:\ Drive (31.09 GB) is less than 50 GB
04:44:29	Yellow	Alert	Dome Slew	Dome slew held up at Az. 195.4, 263.8, 307.2° (Total delay 34s)
05:28:09	Yellow	Alert	Dome Slew	Dome slew held up at Az. 264.3, 247.4, 223.0, 222.4, 189.4, 144.2° (Total delay 60s)
06:13:37	Yellow	Alert	Dome Slew	Dome slew held up at Az. 169.5, 161.1, 152.5, 144.3° (Total delay 43s)
06:25:21	Yellow	Alert	Disk Space	Free Space on C:\ Drive (30.54 GB) is less than 50 GB

Operational Issues (2023-10-16, S1157)

Critical Issues (0)
Major Issues (0)
Minor Issues (2)
Small Defects (13)
Continuous Improvement (15)

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Critical Issues

None

Major Issues

None

Minor Issues

Safari (IPAD) not displaying fresh images and data from Latest Session. When the status and result of S1157 session (2023-10-16) was checked on IPAD the following morning via the 'Current/Latest Session' page on the observatory's website it was found to still show images, charts and data tables from the previous S1156 session (2023-10-11). Freshing the page didn't resolve the issue. Looking at the same page via MS Edge on Observatory Computer where correct images/data were showing ok, indicated that the problem resided with Safari browser on the IPAD. This is an occassional problem (sometimes occurs/sometimes doesn't). When this 'cache' issue has arisen before Safari's setting have been opened and 'Clear History and Website Data' has been used. Whist this resolves the problem, it produces unwelcome sideeffects such as the loss of Twitter (X) login information. A new solution was successfully tried today.

- Turn off Wifi (IPAD) - Refresh Current Session page (fails) - Turn on Wifi - Refresh 'Current/Latest Session' page (succeeds, page now shows the expected latest images, charts & tables)
Fixed 2023-10-17 (Safari/IPAD)
Available Disk Space on Observatory Computer has fallen to only 30 GB. Disk Space Yellow Alerts are being issued at the start and end of recent sessions. Free Space (C) has now fallen to only 30 GB ( "Free Space on C:\ Drive (30.54 GB) is less than 50 GB"). Resolved at least temporarily today (2023-10-20) by moving old FIT files and session folders (S937 to S999) from C Drive to 'Archived New' and 'Archived Sessions' folders on an external hard drive, attached to the computer (this is a drive that was formely the C Drive from an old Development Computer). Free Space has now risen to 82.6 GB. Free Space on external drive is now 210 GB, leaving room to archive more session folders at a future date).
Resolved 2023-10-20 (Observatory Computer)

Small Defects

Dehumidifier label on 5d Humidity graph is partially off-chart (Remote Monitoring).
Fixed 2023-10-17 (AstroWeather 1.22.1)
Cam1 and Cam2 Camera Angle chart on Current/Latest Session web page aren't aligned with the corresponding CCD Temperature chart and Camera Angle vs Hour Angle chart (Remote Monitoring).
Fixed 2023-10-18 (Website - Current/Latest Session page)
AstroMain's ObsCam dialog shown when attempting to 'Connect Scope' and an ObsCam 'Starting' image hasn't yet been captured isn't help (Post-Session Testing). When attempting to 'Connect Camera' (ie Connect TheSky6 Telescope using AstroMain' the program checks if a Starting' ObsCam image has yet been captured and if not a Ok/Cancel dialog is presented to the user. If Ok is click a ObsCam picture is requested and after appropriate delays the routine finishes but doesn't proceed with Connecting the Telescope (user has to click 'Connect Telescope' again). Sometimes (eg if working from Development Computer a Starting ObsCam picture simply isn't required and the delays involved are annoying. If an 'Starting' ObsCam picture hasn't been taken the dialog shown should be changed to a 'Yes, No, Cancel' dialog and the resulting actions changed. 'Yes' should request the ObsCam picture and after appropriate the wait time, execution should continue directly with 'Connect Telescope'. 'No' should go directly to 'Connect Telescope'. Cancel should exit without taking a ObsCam picture and without connect the TheSky6 Telescope.
Fixed 2023-10-18 (AstroMain 3.63.1)
Spectra Chart names get split and carry over to following console line (Post-session Testing. Whilst spectra chart names associated with 'Draw Spectra Chart' appear ok in AstroMain Report Files, the name is normally too long for the width of the program's console screen and ends up being unnaturally split and carried over to the next console line. e.g
Draw Spectra Chart Ok Chart saved to Nova_Cas_ 2021.20231017.im1157011-14.av4x90s.S.spectra.png
Fixed in AstroMain 3.63.1 so that the file name is automatically placed onto to the next line in full. e.g.
Draw Spectra Chart Ok Chart saved to Nova_Cas_2021.20231017.im1157011-14.av4x90s.S.spectra.png
Fixed 2023-10-17 (AstroMain 3.63.1)
Title and Description annotations are not appearing on 'detail' JPG Pictures (Post-Session Testing). AstroMain 3.63.1 contains a preliminary implementation of a new feature that creates 'detail' realtime JPG pictures that are a cropped image at 125% scale (see Notes 2022-02-20 for original ticket request). This initial implementation contains a defect whereby expected annotation doesn't appear on the 'detail' picture. Annotation is drawn on the picture using ImageMagicK using
-gravity north -undercolor black -fill white -font arial-bold -pointsize 16 -strokewidth 1 -annotate +0+5 "GCVS SY Cnc"
This is applied after crop/resize commands
-crop 400x270+346+233 -resize 500xThe introduction of the crop function seems to throw off the annotation since using just the -resize' command alone shows the annotation ok. The issue doesn't effect the drawing of circles. Trial and error eventually found a workaround (added to AstroMain 3.63.1 update) that use center as the gravity type instead of north and using appropriately revised annotate offsets.
-gravity center -undercolor black -fill white -font arial-bold -pointsize 16 -strokewidth 1 -annotate +0-154 "GCVS SY Cnc"
Fixed 2023-10-19 (ImageMagicK, AstroMain 3.63.1)
The "%" symbol is not being drawn correctly in the annotation drawn on JPG Pictures produced by ImageMagicK (Code Development). AstroMain 3.63.1 contains a preliminary implementation of a new feature that creates 'detail' realtime JPG pictures that are a cropped image at 125% scale. Changing the title annotation text to include a " (125%)" suffix using the code line
S = S + " (" + CStr(PictureScale * 100) + "%)"
produces an annotated picture showing the suffix " (12502LT" or similar . Running from a 'Cmd' window with the -annotate text "GCVS SY Cnc (125%)" produces the expected annotation (125%), but when run via AstroMain, using a submitted Bat file produces "GCVS SY Cnc (12402LT" or GCVS SY Cnc (12554 LT" . Tried using
S = S + " (" + CStr(PictureScale * 100) + chr(37) + ")"
but this produces a similar result. It would seem that % is somehow being interpreted as a escape character. Until a final fix is found, a workaround is implemented in AstroMain 3.63.1 (update) by replacing "%" with "pc". Final fix eventually found which is to replace "%" with "%%". Works from Command Line, but fix needs to be added to ConvertFitsToJpg () routine and tried out before ticket can be closed. Fix implemented and successfully tested in AstroMain 3.63.2.
Fixed 2023-10-22 (ImageMagicK, AstroMain 3.63.2)
Attempting to use 'Observing/On The Fly's 'Take Target' gave the error message "Unable to find FITS file" (Post-Session Testing). An attempt to run 'Take Target' with playback for target ID 2848 (M101 w/SN) starrting at image #1156151 (original files) gave the 'Subsitition Check' error message "Unable to find FITS file with image number 1156151." Manually checking showed that file '01156151.FIT' is present in the folder 'C:\Data\CCD Imaging\New\2023-10-11 S01156' and therefore there shouldn't be any issue. Debugging the GetOriginalRawFolderPath() routine that is called by the SubstituteImageExists() function shows that for image 1156151, the routine finds the raw folder '2023-10-10 S01156' (from a Session Attempted, S1156A) instead of the expected raw folder '2023-10-11 S01156'. This happens because the folder hadn't been renamed by the user as '2023-10-10 S01156 Attempt'. After renaming the folder correctly the 'Take Target' button routine works.
Resolved 2023-10-19 (Session, AstroMain)
AstroMain Test Mode is performing a double substitution in situations where an Image Link is performed on a Main Frame Image (Post-session Testing). Whilst testing cropping and annotation of 'detail' JPG pictures , M101 w/SN (starting no 1156151) was played back using the 'Observing/On-The-Fly/Take Target (Test Mode) ' facility. During this operation an Image Link was performed on the first Main Frame (original frame 01156155). This happens only occasionally and occurred on this as Image Linking had failed on Locate frames 1,2 & 3, and the pointing error on Locate4 was still 2.98' . Instead of 're-using the already substituted image (1156155), a new image (1156156) was substituted This caused the final Main Frame to use the substituted image (1156160) which didn't belong to M101 with S/N target but belonged to the next target ('12P/Pons-Brooks'). This is a minor bug as the issue is likely to be constrained to only Test Mode Sessions (and then only relatively rarely when several Locate frames fail to link due to cloud etc). Fixed in AstroMain 3.63.1 (update) by decrementing the counter (SU.TestModeImageNo) prior to the 'special case' substitution.
Fixed 2023-10-20 (AstroMain 3.63.1)
Image Scale and Crop Centre of 'Detail' JPG picture is incorrect (Post-Session Testing). AstroMain 3.63.1 contains a preliminary implementation of a new feature that creates 'detail' realtime JPG pictures that are a cropped image at 125% scale and further updates made in AstroMain 3.63.1 (update).   Whilst testing cropping and annotation of 'detail' JPG pictures, M101 w/SN (starting no 1156151) was played back using Observing/On-The-Fly/Take Target an Image Link. Standard JPG pictures are normal, but the Crop Centre of 'Detail' picture is incorrect (JPG picture is centered on lower left position, rather than the center position). The Image Scale Size appears to be 250% instead of 125%. Top and bottom annotation are missing (typically this is due to annotate offsets not correctly matched to the crop window. A Host Galaxy ellipse (SlateGray2) is also unexpectedly drawn.
The .bat command generated by ConvertFitsToJPG :

"C:\Program Files\ImageMagick\magick.exe" "C:\Data\CCD Imaging\New\2023-10-11 S01156\01156159.FIT" -level 3005,4900 -flip -rotate 180 -crop 400x270+528+355 -resize 500x -gravity center -undercolor black -fill white -font arial-bold -pointsize 16 -strokewidth 1 -annotate +0-154 "M101 w/SN2023ixf (T+145.3d) (125pc)" -gravity center -undercolor black -fill white -strokewidth 1 -font arial-bold -pointsize 16 -annotate +0+154 "180s, 3x3, C, #1156159 0005, 2023-10-20 11:34 LT" -strokewidth 2 -draw "translate -202,-118 rotate 64 fill none stroke SlateGray2 ellipse 0,0 769,718 0,360" -stroke DeepSkyBlue -fill none -strokewidth 2 -draw "circle -408, 2, -408, 29" -quality 80 "C:\Data\CCD Imaging\Sessions\2023-10-20 TEST\_JPGS_detail\0009.oid001.1156159.M101_w_SN2023ixf.0005_detail_v2.jpg"
Fixed in AstroMain 3.63.1 (update), the code line for calculating standard crop position (cropped picture centered on original image centre) changed from
CropX = 728 - ((500 / PictureScale) / 2)     ' Bug CropY = 490 - ((337 / PictureScale) / 2)     ' Bug
to
CropX = 728 / 2 - ((500 / PictureScale) / 2) CropY = 490 / 2 - ((337 / PictureScale) / 2) This fixes image scale and annotation defects. The host Galaxy ellipse doesn't appear in the standard JPG picture as it is bigger than the Cam1 FOV and accordingly it shouldn't appear in the M101's 'Detail' JPG picture (it appears in the Cam2 Reference picture because the Cam2 FOV is larger). Reason why it is appearing in 'Detail' pictures is hypothesized to be due to the obmission of CropX, CropY position when defining the ellipse coordinates. Checking ' Setup Target Ellipse' section of ConvertFitsToJPG() routine shows that CropX and CropY are refererred to when picture to be drawn is a 'Detail' (cropped) one (ie P=3). Running in debugger shows that in the following code (run when P = 3)
TX = (TX * BinScale - XOrigin - CropX) * PictureScale TY = (TY * BinScale - YOrigin - CropY) * PictureScale
CropX and CropY have the expected values (164 and 110 respectively), BinScale is 1, XOrigin & YOrigin are both 0. TX and TY are calculated to be 251 and 186 respectively. These are plausible (the position of the M101 center in the detail picture is estimated to be 249, 189.   When target was rerun the detail pictures no longer contained the host galaxy ellipse line, so it is felt that this problem has resolved itself. Issue closed 2023-10-20.
Fixed 2023-10-20  (AstroMain 3.63.1)
'Park Dome' operation from AstroMain running on Development Computer unexpectedly gave the message "Dome is already parked' (Development Computer). With the dome lying at Az 180°, using 'Park Dome' unexpectedly gave the message "Dome is already parked". The dome was expected to move to park position at Az 90°. The ASCOM.Simulator.Dome behaved as if it considered its PArk position was at Az 180°. Checked Dome Simulator properties showed that Park Position was set to 180° and Home Position was set to 0°. Values changed to 90° (Park) and 180° (Home) to emulate the values associated with the actual Observatory. Retested the 'Park Dome' and dome moved to Az 90° without issue. Using Goto Home from Device Hub correctly moves the dome to Az 180° and Park Dome from Device Hub correctly moves the simulated dome to Az 90° . The one anomaly is that after parking the dome, and closing the dome connection & closing device hub (which closes the dome simulator) one would expect the simulated dome to be at Park Position (Az 90°) when reconnected, but instead it starts at Az 180° . Changing the Home Position to 170° and repeating the dome disconnect/reconnect steps it is found that the dome again starts at Az 180°
Resolved 2023-10-20 (Development Computer, Dome Simulator)
Latest Session Page is showing a "?" image icon next to the 'Most Recent Target Image' (Post-Session). This is most-likey due to the page still referering to a Session.SpectraChart picture, which have recently been replaced with Session.TargetDetail pictures. Fixed 2023-10-21, code change so that image pointed to "Session.TargetDetail0" + k.toString() + ".jpg" instead of "Session.SpectraChart0" + k.toString() + ".png"
Fixed (Website, Latest Session page)
After restarting AstroMain / Observatory dome is showing as 'Dome not charging' when there is no history (Post-Session). After restarting AstroMain (to install new program version) , reconnecting to Observatory/General Session and starting Day Services, ObsViewer (virtual view / dashboard of the observatory) is showing as "Dome not charging" with a Red Flag. Without any history it is premature to put up a red flag. Flag should be 'yellow' until a sufficient time has passed whereupon the flag should become green (as charging has been seen) or red (as no charging has been seen within the evaluation period. Fixed in AstroMain 3.63.2 by adding a condition "or MinutesSince(ObsMonitorStartTime) < 10 to part of ObsViewer loop that will post a yellow flag with "Dome Charging (pending)".
Fixed 2023-10-21 (AstroMain 3.63.2)
The Safari browser on IPAD is displaying sequences of year numbers as blue hyperlinked 'telephone' numbers (WebSite). The Safari browser (IOS) has an 'autodetect' algorithum within it that interprets a sequence of plain text numbers having a certain format as a telephone number and adds a hyperlink when there isn't one in the original htm file. In the case of newly created table on comets.htm page the following line
2P/Encke 2023 - 2022 - 2021 - 2020 - 2019 - 2018 - 2017 - 2016 - 2015 - 2014 - 2013
is presented like
2P/Encke 2023 - 2022 - 2021 - 2020 - 2019 - 2018 - 2017 - 2016 - 2015 - 2014 - 2013
There are multiple instances of this problem within the table, which is highly distracting to the required visual presentation and use of the table. The recommended way of stopping Safari from detecting and inserting phone number links is to add the following meta tag to the page's <header> section.
<meta name="format-detection" content="telephone=no">
The meta tag line was added to the header in the comets.htm page ( 2023-10-22) and is confirmed to have resolved the issue. (Note: The meta tag has to be added to each page that requires this workaround, I haven't found a way of disabling Safari's behaviour for the Observatory's entire website).
Fixed 2023-10-22 (Website, comets.htm page)
Background to Rain Forecast 'value' field should be red when 'Precip Next 15 Mins' field contains "Rain (2.1mm/hr)" . The background to Rain Forecast 'value' field is gray when the 'Precip Next 15 Mins' field contains "Rain (2.1mm/hr)". The background should be 'Red'. Likewise the background to 'Precip Next 15 Mins' field itself should also be red in this situation. Precise date/version where fixed was made is uncertain but it is confirmed to have been fixed in lead up to session S1159 which was running AstroMain 3.63.4.
Fixed 2023-10-30 (AstroMain 3.63.4)
Target Centre Cross and Target Object Circle for Locate 1 picture for SY Cnc were drawn at incorrect positions (06:17) . Target Center Cross (variably coloured dependant on Pointing Error) and Target Object Circle (blue coloured) are drawn at incorrect positions in Locate 1 jpg picture for Target 8/8 (GCVS Cnc SY) (see Fig 1). The issue occurs in both 'Loc.jpg' and 'Loc_sm.jpg' pictures. Target Cross and Target Object Circle are drawn correctly on Locate 2 picture (see Fig 2). ). Similarly Target Object Circles are drawn correctly on Main Frame Images. The Main Frames Images are acquired as 2x2 biined frames, but this should not have been a factor for the incorrectly annotated Locate 1 frame. Need to replay the images of SY Cnc (Target ID=97, #1157049 start no.) in AstroMain. (Note: to run in daytime after 15:00 at current date in mid-Oct (which is after SY Cnc has dropped below the horizon) the test needs to be executed with Target replayed on 2023-10-18 17:30 using Scope Simulator and Test Mode to 'reaccess original FITS image). Since SY Cnc had dropped below the horizon at this time the test had to be run with 'Impose Slew Limits' option turned off in TheSky/Telescope/Settings, otherwise the slew will fail with message "Limits exceeded". Examining the resultant JPG pictures showed Target Centre Cross and Target Object Circle drawn correctly on the Locate 1 picture, the bug during the live session was not repeatable in the test session. These occasional occuring JPG picture bugs are typically not repeatable during playback has been noted before, which makes tracking down & fixing such bugs incredibly difficult. In Live Session Locate 1 frame took 1s to link (UCA/USNO) and Pointing Error (1) was reported to be 1.40' (W 0.84', N -1.12') . In Test Session Playback the Locate 1 frame to 0.4s to link (UCA/USNO*) (after first spending 1.4s on link failures with UCA/USNO & GSC ). Pointing Error 1 was again reported to be 1.40' (W 0.84', N -1.12'). This strongly suggests that the bug is one that exposes itself within the 'ConvertFitsToJpg()' routine (though it's origin may lie elsewhere).
Point live session replay SY Cnc (actual) 240, 91 240, 91 Target Circle centre : 236, 62 240, 91 Target Cross centre 216, 123 225, 135 (Offset between Circle & Cross 20, -61 15, -44 ratio 1.33, 1.38 Target Circle Diameter 40 30 ratio 1.33 or 1/0.75
Looking at the above figures suggests a bug with scaling image coordinates into picture coordinates. Ticket closed after review 2024-03-25 as issue hasn't occured in last 3 months and seems to have been resolved. Any new future issues with Target Circle drawing will be raised as new tickets if/when they occur.
Likely resolved, closed 2024-03-25 (AstroMain 3.64.6)
TheSky6 produced a 'mscorlib' error dialog "Object synchoronization method was called from an unsynchronized block of code" (Post-Session Testing). Whilst testing cropping and annotation of 'detail' JPG pictures on Development Computer, the target M101 w/SN (starting no 1156151) was played back using 'Observing/On-The-Fly/Take Target'. At some point TheSky program produced a 'mscorlib' error dialog with the message "Object synchoronization method was called from an unsynchronized block of code". This error message hasn't been seen before, and its cause isn't clear. AstroMain / Observatory / Take Image was paused for 8.3 minutes whilst debugging. The error may or may not have occured during this period. Dialog didn't appear to block TheSky operation from AstroMain or from via TheSky6 UI. Decision made to Monitor for future cases, to establish if this is a potentially significant issue or not. Closed after review 2024-03-25 as error hasn't cropped up since
Likely resolved, closed 2024-03-25 (TheSky6, Development Computer)
Title and Description annotations are not appearing in correct position on 'detail' JPG Pictures (Code Development). Whilst testing cropping and annotation of 'detail' JPG pictures, M101 w/SN (starting no 1156151) was played back using Observing/On-The-Fly/Take Target an Image Link. The expected annotation was "M101 w/SN2023ixf (T+145.3d) (125pc)" (TOP) and "15s, 3x3, C, #1156160 0005, 2023-10-19 20:47 LT" (BOTTOM), but couldn't be made to appear at correct locations unless cropped area was centered on the Image Centre. Eventually it was concluded that the Title needs -annotate with offsets defined as follows:

Ox = (LocateInfo.nX * BinScale) / 2 - 400 / 2 Oy = (LocateInfo.nY * BinScale) / 2 - 270 / 2 OffsetX = CInt(0 + (CropX - Ox) * PictureScale) OffsetY = CInt(-154 + (CropY - Oy) * PictureScale)
where CropX and CropY are given by

With LocateInfo ObjectOffset = Math.Sqrt((.HostX - .ObjectX) ^ 2 + (.HostY - .ObjectY) ^ 2) * BinScale * PictureScale If ObjectOffset > 280 Then TX = .ObjectX TY = .ObjectY ElseIf ObjectOffset > 130 Then TX = (.HostX + .ObjectX) / 2 TY = (.HostY + .ObjectY) / 2 Else TX = .HostX TY = .HostY End If If RotateImage Then TX = .nX - TX TY = .nY - TY End If TX = TX * BinScale TY = TY * BinScale CropX = TX - ((500 / PictureScale) / 2) CropY = TY - ((337 / PictureScale) / 2) If CropX < 0 Then CropX = 0 If CropY < 0 Then CropY = 0 If CropX + 500 / PictureScale > .nX Then CropX = .nX - 500 / PictureScale If CropY + 337 / PictureScale > .nY Then CropY = .nY - 337 / PictureScale End With
New Code implemented in AstroMain 3.64.6. Code tested as follows

- Testing 3x3 with BL Lac images from S1164 (Target ID= 17, Image ID 1164010 to 01164014) - Testing 2x2 with EV Lac images from S1166 (Target ID= 18, mage ID 1166029 to 01166037 ) - Testing 3x3 with NGC 3690 w/SN2023wrk from S1165 (Target ID=3044, Image ID 1165097 to 1165104)
A separate ticket has been raised (CI S1166) to consider the value/benefit of incorporating ShiftXY and MovementXY into calculation of Crop XY.
To do 2023-11-14+ (AstroMain 3.64.6+)

In Progress 2023-11-14 (ImageMagicK, AstroMain 3.64.6)

Continuous Improvement

Include Transient or EGN Name in Fits Summary Object Name when Host is M31 or M33. For transient/EGN targets in M31 and M33 the object name of images in Fits Summary have to be manually edited to include the transient/EGN object. e.g the image frames 1157015-22 the object name has to be manually changed from 'M31' to 'M31_AT2023trk'. This is to ensure that images sets from different transients is clearly separated. It also allows Fits files to be appropriately renamed. This is particularly important for M31 and M33 where transients occur frequently and more than one is commonly imaged in the same session. Examine if it is possible for Fits Summary to automatically include the transient/EGN name. This would almost certainly require AstroMain's 'Create Fits Summary' to provide this necessary information to be written to the 'Fits Summary.dat' file and potentially some additional modification to 'Import Fits Summary' macro in the 'CCD Session Summary.xls' workbook. A test that manually changed the object name from "M31" to "M31 AT2023trk" in the 'Fits Summary.dat' file showed that absolutely no change to the excel macros is required
Done 2023-10-17 (AstroMain 3.63.1)
Add a 'Sun' bar to Greenhouse Temperature Plots. Add a 'Sun' line/bar to 16h Greenhouse Temperature Plot (GraphID=59), 5d Greenhouse Temperature Plot (GraphID=14) and 5d Temperature difference Plot (GraphID=60) based on CloudSensor Light and Clarity values. Base new line/bars on Humidifier Bar in 16h Humidity Plot (GraphID=51). A new 'SunFlag (integer) field added to Cs record, where assignment is made in the ParseCsRecord() routine. Durng Daytime (.Light > 25) the .SunFlag is set to 2 if Clarity > 35 or set to 1 if Clarity > 30. For other conditions the SunFlag is set to 0.
Done 2023-10-17 (AstroWeather 1.22.1)
Extend 'Build Local JPG Page' to show 'detail' JPG Pictures alongside standard JPG pictures. AstroMain 3.63.1 contains an implementation of a new feature that creates 'detail' realtime JPG pictures that are a cropped image at 125% scale (see Notes 2022-02-20 for original ticket request). This further improvement involving edits to the BuildJpgPicturePageNew() routine will post a detail picture (if available) alongside the existing standard target frame picture, in a similar fashion to how spectral charts are posted alongside the standard picture at present. Improvement is made in AstroMain 3.63.1 (update).
Done 2023-10-19 (3.63.1)
Write the first 'detail' JPG Picture in each imageset to live folder as "Session.TargetFramexx.jpg" . AstroMain 3.63.1 contains a preliminary implementation of a new feature that creates 'detail' realtime JPG pictures that are a cropped image at 125% scale (see Notes 2022-02-20 for original ticket request). This initial implementation should be improved by copying the first Target 'detail' picture in each imageset to the live folder as a file with name like "Session.TargetFrame01.jpg".. Added in AstroMain 3.63.1 (update). A separate continuous improvement ticket will deal with the upload and display of this 'detail' JPG picture on the Session's images_current.htm web page.
Done 2023-10-19 (3.63.1)
Extend AstroPlan's web uploader to upload 'Session.TargetDetailxx.jpg' pictures to the observatory website and update 'images_current.htm' web page to show these 'detail' pictures. Second column of pictures in images_current.htm changed from Session.SpectraChartxx.png to Session.TargetDetailxx.jpg.
Done 2023-10-19 (AstroPlan 1.38.8, Website)
Modify AstroMain's 'save spectral chart' routine to save spectral charts to Live Folder with names like Session.TargetDetail01.jpg. The routine currently copies the first spectral chart from each S Filter imageset as a name like 'Session.SpectralChart01.png' . Since the recent introduction of Session.TargetDetail pictures in AstroMain 3.63.1 there is opportunity to rationalise the number of picture files that have to be uploaded to website and rationalise the work neccessary to display both types of picture on the 'images_current.htm' web page. Therefore spectral charts to be saved to live folder with names like Session.TargetDetail01.jpg. Uploading of Session.SpectralChart01.png to Session.SpectralChart50.png should be removed from AstroPlan. The neccessary changes to webpage (ie. use of Session.TargetDetail pictures instead of Session.SpectralChart pictures) has already been made. Implemented in AstroMain 3.63.1 (2023-10-20). A new variable SpectraChartJpgFileName (string) created and assigned in ExtractSpectra_OB() routine to 'SpectraChartFolder + "\Session.SpectraChart.jpg" . After creating the spectra chart using SpectraChart.OpenChart and SpectraChart.AddSpectra(Spectra) ) the SpectraChart.SaveChartToFile2() routine now saves the cropped SpectraChart bitmap ('croppedChart') to SpectraChartJpgFileName using JPG Encoding (with 85% quality). The SpectraChartJpgFile is finally saved to the Live folder as "Session.TargetDetail" + id + ".jpg" (eg. Session.TargetDetail01.jpg) where its uploaded to observatory website by the new version of AstroPlan / WebUpload. Need to review legacy file 'Session.SpectraChart.png'.
Done 2023-10-20 (AstroMain 3.63.1)
Multiple images from session S1071, S1138 & S1145 are missing from website. Images hadn't been uploaded at the time that sessions were analysed & documented. Fixed 2023-10-21, images from sessions S1071, S1138 & S1145 were selected the from local copy of website and uploaded to the observatory's public website using WinSCP.
Done 2023-10-21 (Website)
Make a number of small changes & improvements to Latest Session Web Page. A number of items proposed:
- Hide Scorecard/Synopsis section when session isn't active. Implemented by extending ConditionsDiv to include Scorecard/Synopsis. This div already has handling to make it shown or hidden according to session state.
- Add links to Full Report File' and 'Full Log FIle' to 'Report FIle' and 'Log File' sections when available, (refer to existing javascript code in <header> regarding Full Report File and Full Log File. Implemented by adding span sections 'SessionReportFile2' and 'SessionLogFile2' to the two sections, and adding start-up code that inserts note and link to the forementioned documents into the span when appropriate.
Done 2023-10-21+ (Website)
Add N, E, S, W labels to bottom of Camera Angle vs Hour Angle Charts.
Done 2023-10-21 (AstroMain 3.63.1)
Lengthen the hold-up point lines on Dome Slewing Performance Chart. Use of chart would benefit from hightlighting all the azimuths that hold-ups are occuring at. Line Hold-Up Lengths increased by 20% (up to a hold-up of 180s where lines are capped (max length(180s) increased from 35 px to 42 px.
Done 2023-10-21+ (AstroMain 3.63.1+)
Work out how to get Draw "text ... 'string' " commands to display text on a picture in ImageMagicK. Text has generally be drawn on pictures created in ImageMagicK by using '-annotate' commands, but recently it has been difficult to establish the necessary x/y offsets when image has been cropped using -crop command. The '-draw "text.. ' command may get around the problem as it uses direct coordinates. But tests to get text to visible have been unsuccessful. Investigated shows that the commands written for drawing label for guide star box are already successfully used.

Box(P) = Box(P) + " -gravity NorthWest " Box(P) = Box(P) + " -undercolor transparent -stroke white -strokewidth 0 -font arial -style normal -pointsize 13 " Box(P) = Box(P) + " -draw """ + "text " + CStr(GX) + "," + CStr(GY) + " ' " + BoxName + " '" + """ "
Propose to redo tests for drawing annotation text. The concern is that since GX, GY are using the top left corner reference (from -gravity NorthWest) they are still upset by use of a preceeding '-crop' command. The method requires knowing the anticipated pixel width of the top / bottom annotation strings in order to calculate the necessary x coordinate that will lead to the string being centered (in left-right sense).
Done 2023-10-21 (AstroMain, ImageMagicK)
Add a Store' button to AstroMain's Observing/On-The-Fly' tab to allow Store Folder to be opened for the current target. This facility is only of benefit when running on Development Computer where 'live version' of Store Folder resides. The button should therefore be hidden when running on Observatory Computer. Partly implemented in AstroMain 3.63.1. A new button (btnOpenStoreFolder4) and routine (OpenStoreFolderObs) added which determines and open the Store folder belonging to object name show in the 'Objec' field. The new OpenStoreFolderObs() will also yet determine the required store folder based on the database target defined by the 'TargetID' field when 'Use TargetID' checkbox is checked.
Done 2023-10-21 (AstroMain 3.63.1)
Work out how to get Draw "text ... 'string' " commands to display text on a picture in ImageMagicK. Text has generally be drawn on pictures created in ImageMagicK by using '-annotate' commands, but recently it has been difficult to establish the necessary x/y offsets when image has been cropped using -crop command. The '-draw "text.. ' command may get around the problem as it uses direct coordinates. But tests to get text to visible have been unsuccessful. Investigated shows that the commands written for drawing label for guide star box are already successfully used.

Box(P) = Box(P) + " -gravity NorthWest " Box(P) = Box(P) + " -undercolor transparent -stroke white -strokewidth 0 -font arial -style normal -pointsize 13 " Box(P) = Box(P) + " -draw """ + "text " + CStr(GX) + "," + CStr(GY) + " ' " + BoxName + " '" + """ "
Propose to redo tests for drawing annotation text. The concern is that since GX, GY are using the top left corner reference (from -gravity NorthWest) they are still upset by use of a preceeding '-crop' command. The method requires knowing the anticipated pixel width of the top / bottom annotation strings in order to calculate the necessary x coordinate that will lead to the string being centered (in left-right sense).
Done 2023-10-17+ (AstroMain, ImageMagicK)
Create a Dome Slewing Test Routine that will conduct a sequence of dome slews that match those of the last or other previous session. This is a new feature that is designed to have the dome exactly repeat the slew movements that occurred during a live session, measuring and comparing slew speeds/timings to help diagnose the ongoing issue with slew hold-ups. Test could be run with & without the dome shutter being open, with different states of humidity and with different states of roof flange dryness. Routine would take data from the past session's '..(slewtable).dat file, write results to a new (slewcomparison).dat file and create a new (dome).png file showing the new 'dome slewing path & speed' graph set side by side with the equivalent graph from the past live session. The new feature requires i) a form or tab for specifying and running the test, ii) a routine that reads the past session's '..(slewtable).dat file, iii) a routine that extracts the dome slewing path & speed graph from the past live session and writes it to a new picture file, a routine to execute the test and write results to (slewcomparison) data file and (dome) picture file. The routine has been built and tested using Dome simulator. 202A daytime test using the Pulsar Dome will be conducted tomorrow (2023-10-22). The creation of a comparison Dome Slew Chart is raised under a separate ticket.
Done 2023-10-21 (AstroMain 3.63.2)
Create a master index web page for comets. Using existing comets.htm page or a new page build a list of all comets observed or attempt listed in named order, with links to each comets observations by year. A 'Full List' section has been started on the comets.htm page on 2023-10-20 (see Comets - Full List ), comets from years 2010 to 2023 have so far been included (as of 2023-10-22). Years 2004 to 2009 remaining to do. Closed after review 2023-10-29 as essentially completed apart from outstanding years still to do.
Done 2023-10-29 (Website)
Adjust create 'detail' JPG Pictures to center the picture on Target Object, on Host Object or their midpoint as is most appropriate. AstroMain 3.63.1 contains a preliminary implementation of a new feature that creates 'detail' realtime JPG pictures that are a cropped image at 125% scale. The 'detail picture' is centered on the center of the original image which would should still stay the default where there is no Target Coords or Host Coords defined. However idea the picture is centered on the Target Object (or Host Object) depending on the offset between target object and the host object (where relevant). Experimental code has been tested that is able to create cropped & 125% size scaled picture that is centered on Target Object, but it throws off the positioning of top and bottom annotation. This ticket was on hold until the 'annotation issue' was resolved. Implemented in full in AstroMain 3.64.6
Done 2023-11-14 (AstroMain 3.64.6)
Include Transient or EGN Name in the Object Name in Guiding Chart, Guide Summary table, Slew table, Focus Profile field name when Host is M31 or M33. Instead of showing 'M31' or 'M33' the forementioned charts and tables should show a name like 'M31 AT2023trk'. or M31 Nova 2023-10a?.
To do 2023-10-17+ (AstroMain 3.63.1+)

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Fig 1. Locate 1 jpg picture for Target 8/8 (GCVS Cnc SY)) from Live Session
Target Centre (yellow cross) and Target Object (blue circle) are incorrectly positioned.

Fig 2. Locate 2 jpg picture for Target 8/8 (GCVS Cnc SY).
Target Centre (green cross) and Target Object (blue circle) are correctly positioned.

Storm Babet hit NE Scotland on 2023-10-19 and last 48-56 hours. With very strong easterly winds and heavy rain.
There were serious floods in Brechin area (Angus) as a resut. Storm damage and local flooding occured over a wider area.

Graphs showing the extent of the rain and wind at the Clair Observatory due to Storm Babet are shown below.

Rain:

Observatory was checked on 2023-10-21 in late afternoon after rain had eased off. There was some water entry in the vicinity of the observatory door, which faced east and was thus prone to the driving rain leaking round the margins of the door. The door mat was found to be soaked through, and water had gathered below the rubber floor mats. Checking further showed there had been some water entry from under the observatory walls but it was relatively minor. The door mat and 50% of the floor tiles were taken up and dried. These were placed back in their positions the following afternoon (2023-10-22).

Wind:

(Note : actual wind speeds were higher than recorded by the wind speed sensor, which was situated on the lee side of the house.)

Pressure:

This Web Page:	Notes - Session 1157 (2023-10-16)
Last Updated :	2024-09-27
Site Owner :	David Richards
Home Page :	David's Astronomy Web Site

David's Astronomy Pages Notes - Session 1157 (2023-10-16)

Session Aims & Highlights (2023-10-16)

Operational Issues (2023-10-16, S1157)

2023-10-19

Storm Babet

David's Astronomy Pages
Notes - Session 1157 (2023-10-16)