David's Astronomy Pages Notes - Session 1310 (2025-04-03)

Notes (S1309)

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Notes (S1311)

	Session Aims & Highlights
	- Observing Result  - Night Summary Plot  - Session Event Log
	Operational Issues
	- Critical Issues (0),  Major Issues (0),  Minor Issues (2),  Small Defects (6),  Continuous Improvement (5)
	Images from 2025-04-03 >>
	Current/Latest Session >>

Session Aims & Highlights (2025-04-03)

Main aims

1. Targets.  Acquire images of a selection of variable stars, nearby stars, comets & deep sky targets as allowed by sky conditions.

 Equipment & Software

• 12" LX200 and ST-10XME
• 80mm APO and ZWO ASI 178MC
• TheSky6, CCDSoft5, DeviceHub 7.0.3 RC3.4694, MeadeGeneric 1.3.12.522 , UPB 1.5,  Pulsar Dome Firmware 1.51 & Driver 6.3.10
• Pegasus UPB & Motor Focus, TCF-S 6.0.6
• SharpCap 3.2, PHD2  2.6.13, Siril 1.0.6, deCONZ 1.18.2, ASCOM 7.0.3 RC3
• [ DomeLink 1.0 / 1.1 - not used ]
   
• AstroMain 3.74.1,  AstroPlan 1.43,  AstroShCap 1.3.15, AstroGuard 1.10.6   (any new items or versions in bold)
  AstroVOE 1.15.1,  AstroSN 1.14,  AstroProtect 1.10.6,  AstroMove 1.52.4
  AstroWeather 1.27.5, AstroAllSky 3.23.1,  AstroObsCam 1.11.4 (not 1.11.5), AstroColorCam 1.2.2, AstroLaunch 1.12.1

Highlights

• Targets. 21/23 planned targets observations were completed with 1 target partially completed. One target (CompStar, T CrB at Max) failed due to a software gap.
•   Dome. There was no issues opening/closing the shutter during the session. Dome closed and parked at end of session Ok.

Notes

• Aurora Images from 2025-04-03 / 2025-04-04  >>
  
  
  

Summary Plots & Logs

Observing Plan

Observing Result

Dome & Scope Slewing Performance

Slew/Centering Performance

Guiding Performance

Sky Conditions (Locate Frames)

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

Actual Weather vs Pre-Session Weather Forecast

Session Event Log

Time     Event Detail 20:43:00 Session Monitoring AutoStart monitoring for Live Session opportunity between 20:51 & 04:18 20:43:03   AutoStart Waiting AutoStart waiting till earliest start time at 20:51 20:52:03   AutoStart Delayed Session delayed due to too few stars 21:08:10 Session AutoStarting Session autostarting (21:08) 21:08:32   CCDSoft Restarting CCDSoft being restarted (to set AutoSave No.) 21:09:00   Camera1 Connected SBIG Camera connected (Set point -25°C) 21:09:03 Session Created Session Created (Live, 2025-04-03 S01310, ImageSaveNum: 1310001) 21:09:08   Scope Switched On Telescope Power has been switched on via UPB Powerbox. 21:10:55   Services Started Observatory Services started 21:11:03 Observatory (Auto) Observatory placed in Fully-Automated Mode 21:11:05   AutoStart Delayed Session delayed due to too few stars 21:11:08 Session Pending Session pending (2025-04-03) 21:11:10 Session Initiating Session initiating (2025-04-03) 21:11:17   Camera1 Connected SBIG Camera connected (Set point -20°C) 21:11:19   Plan Requested Observing Plan requested from AstroPlan (1.43) 21:11:46   Plan Loaded Observing Plan loaded to queue (Plan ID: 1094) 21:12:25   Telescope Connected Telescope connected (TheSky6) 21:12:50 Session Equilibration Session ready to Open Dome 21:13:35   Dome Opened Dome opened (Opening time 45s, Zigbee 41s) 21:14:21 Session Running Session running 21:14:23   Queue Started Observing Queue started (23 targets selected) 21:14:26     Target Started (NrZen) Target started (Focus Field 9, HIP 44139) 21:14:43       Dome Unparked Dome unparked 21:19:49       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 21:22:47   CcdCamera Frozen CcdCamera appears to be frozen at around 21:22 in section 'GetCameraProperties / Status' 21:23:17   SBIG Camera Take Image failed (Command timed-out) 21:23:23   CCDSoft Restarting CCDSoft being restarted (attempt to fix frozen CcdCamera) 21:23:30   SBIG Camera Reset SBIG Camera being power-cycled 21:24:25   Camera1 Connected SBIG Camera connected (Set point -20°C) 21:24:28   SBIG Camera Take Image command accepted (bSbigDriverException flag is reset) 21:25:33       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 1, wide) 21:26:03       Focusing Failed Foc1 focusing failed - star lost 21:26:05       Focusing Started-Foc2 Foc2 Focusing Started (Secondary Scope, using ShCap) 21:27:57       Focusing Completed Foc2 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 2, wide) 21:29:38       Focusing Completed Foc2 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 2) 21:29:54     Target Completed (NrZen) Target completed (Focus Field 9, HIP 44139) 21:29:58     Target Started (1/23) Target started (1/23, AT2022vdr (CV)) 21:34:47       Focusing Skipped Foc1 focusing skipped - star is too dim (TCF-S) 21:41:38     Target Completed Target completed (1/23, AT2022vdr (CV)) 21:41:42     Target Started (2/23) Target started (2/23, AT2025gnb) 21:45:59       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 21:49:19       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 3, wide) 21:51:35       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 3) 22:04:32     Target Completed Target partially completed (2/23, AT2025gnb) 22:04:36     Target Started (3/23) Target started (3/23, ESO 565-G19 w/SN2025efc) 22:09:10       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 22:11:58       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 4) 22:28:37     Target Completed Target completed (3/23, ESO 565-G19 w/SN2025efc) 22:28:41     Target Started (4/23) Target started (4/23, AT2025ghv) 22:48:49     Target Completed Target completed (4/23, AT2025ghv) 22:48:53     Target Started (5/23) Target started (5/23, 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann) 22:52:33       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 22:55:06       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 5) 23:10:17     Target Completed Target completed (5/23, 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann) 23:10:22     Target Started (6/23) Target started (6/23, NGC 3450) 23:32:22     Target Completed Target completed (6/23, NGC 3450) 23:32:27     Target Started (7/23) Target started (7/23, AT2025euu) 23:36:41       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 23:39:21       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 6) 23:55:42     Target Completed Target completed (7/23, AT2025euu) 23:55:46     Target Started (8/23) Target started (8/23, UGCA 245) 00:00:14       Focusing Skipped Foc1 focusing skipped - star is lost (TCF-S) 00:16:33     Target Completed Target completed (8/23, UGCA 245) 00:16:37     Target Started (9/23) Target started (9/23, UGCA 319) 00:20:43       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 00:23:29       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 7) 00:40:05     Target Completed Target completed (9/23, UGCA 319) 00:40:09     Target Started (10/23) Target started (10/23, NGC 3521 w/SN2024aecx) 00:44:01       Focusing Skipped Foc1 focusing skipped - star is too dim (TCF-S) 01:00:56     Target Completed Target completed (10/23, NGC 3521 w/SN2024aecx) 01:01:00     Target Started (11/23) Target started (11/23, NGC 3981) 01:04:57       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 01:07:53       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 8) 01:24:56     Target Completed Target completed (11/23, NGC 3981) 01:25:00     Target Started (12/23) Target started (12/23, AT2023gvj) 01:45:43     Target Completed Target completed (12/23, AT2023gvj) 01:45:47     Target Started (13/23) Target started (13/23, T CrB) 01:45:49     Target Completed Target completed (13/23, T CrB) 02:04:24     Target Started (14/23) Target started (14/23, GCVS ER UMa) 02:08:49       Focusing Skipped Foc1 focusing skipped - star is too dim (TCF-S) 02:13:08     Target Completed Target completed (14/23, GCVS ER UMa) 02:14:42     Target Started (15/23) Target started (15/23, M86) 02:18:37       Focusing Skipped Foc1 focusing skipped - star is too dim (TCF-S) 02:35:04     Target Completed Target completed (15/23, M86) 02:37:02     Target Started (16/23) Target started (16/23, IC 4479 w/SN2024afpi) 02:40:28       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 02:43:18       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 9) 02:59:33     Target Completed Target completed (16/23, IC 4479 w/SN2024afpi) 02:59:37     Target Started (17/23) Target started (17/23, T CrB) 03:02:58       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 03:05:32       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 10) 03:10:33     Target Completed Target completed (17/23, T CrB) 03:10:37     Target Started (18/23) Target started (18/23, AT2024wqx) 03:13:44       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 03:16:33       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 11) 03:32:56     Target Completed Target completed (18/23, AT2024wqx) 03:33:00     Target Started (19/23) Target started (19/23, AT2024efi (CV)) 03:37:05       Focusing Skipped Foc1 focusing skipped - unable to find a star (TCF-S) 03:43:58     Target Completed Target completed (19/23, AT2024efi (CV)) 03:44:02     Target Started (20/23) Target started (20/23, UGC 9503) 03:47:41       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 03:50:32       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 12) 04:06:53     Target Completed Target completed (20/23, UGC 9503) 04:06:57     Target Started (21/23) Target started (21/23, NGC 5957 w/SN2025fvw) 04:10:56       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 04:13:49       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 13) 04:31:06     Target Completed Target completed (21/23, NGC 5957 w/SN2025fvw) 04:31:10     Target Started (22/23) Target started (22/23, C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS)) 04:35:25       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 04:38:05       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 14) 04:44:51     Target Completed Target completed (22/23, C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS)) 04:44:55     Target Started (23/23) Target started (23/23, GCVS BL Lac) 04:48:01       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 04:50:37       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 15) 04:54:41     Target Completed Target completed (23/23, GCVS BL Lac) 04:54:43   Queue Completed Job Queue completed 04:54:46 Session Closing Session closing 04:55:40   Dome Closed Dome closed (Closing time 50s, Zigbee 43s) 04:56:01   Dome Parked Dome parked (parking time 12s), Az: 90.0 deg 04:56:47   Telescope Parked Telescope parked (parking time 40s total) 04:57:11   Telescope State Handbox reads 'Scope parked Turn scope off.' 04:57:33   Telescope Switched Off Telescope Power has been switched off via UPB Switch. 04:58:58   Services Stopped Night Services stopped 04:59:01 Session Finishing Session Finishing started (Create Fits Summary, Transfer Files) 04:59:28     Dome (Find Park) Find Park started (Search Az 88.0 to 92.0°, Step 0.2°, Narrow) 05:00:15     Dome Find Park found (Best Park Az 90.4°) 05:00:21     Dome Dome has been synced at park position (Az 90.0°, Adjustment: -0.4°) 05:00:23   Dome Parked Dome parked 05:02:46   Dome Charging Dome is parked and re-charging Ok (19mA) 05:02:48 Session Finished Session Finished

Session Alerts & Alarms

Time     Type       Name Detail 21:23:17 Red Alert SBIG Camera Alert Take Image failed (Command timed-out) 21:23:21 Red Alert CcdCamera CcdCamera appears to be frozen (last cycle at 21:22:47) in section 'GetCameraProperties / Status' 21:24:26 Green Clear SBIG Camera Take Image command accepted (bSbigDriverException flag is reset) 05:02:46 Green Clear Dome Charging Dome is parked and re-charging Ok (19mA)

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Operational Issues (2025-04-03, S1310)

• Critical Issues (0)
• Major Issues (0)
• Minor Issues (2)
• Small Defects (6)
• Continuous Improvement (5)
  

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Critical Issues

• None

Major Issues

• None

Minor Issues

• Red Sbig Camera alert raised during Near Zenith Focusing (21:23). A red 'SBIG Camera Alert' was raised at 21:23:17 with the message "Take Image failed (Command timed-out) ", folllowed by a red 'CcdCamera' alert at 21:23:21 with the message "CcdCamera appears to be frozen (last cycle at 21:22:47) in section 'GetCameraProperties / Status".  This was followed by a Green All-Clear at 21:24:26 with the message "Take Image command accepted (bSbigDriverException flag is reset)".  Issue was automatically resolved in session with minimal delay. Issue closed after review.
  Automatically resolved 2025-04-03  (Session, SBIG Camera, CCDSoft, AstroMain)
   
• CompStar type target wasn't successfully acquired (01:45).  In preparation for if/when T CrB goes novae and jumps in magnitude to around +2, a different method needs to be used to collected image data, as acceptable reference/check stars will not show up in the very short exposure needed to capture T CrB without saturating the CCD Image.  The propose method is CompStar method.  Target 13/23 (T Crb at Max, TargetID 3509) was set up and included in the Observing Plan.  This method involves the telescope slewing to a specfic named offset star (HIP 80816 in this case, mag 2.5). After commencing the Target and reporting T CrB target information and pre-slew conditions  'Taking Comp Star' was reported, but no action followed.  'Taking Target Star' was then reported but again no action followed, this was repeated to give a total of 3 intended observations of T CrB interlaced with 4 intended observations of HIP 80816.  The target was reported as 'Completed' with message "Target finished   (5 / 5 frames completed) " and was marked as Completed in the Database/Observing Plan. It wasn't marked as a Completed Observation in the Database/Results.  The CompStar method hasn't be used since AstroMain underwent major changes with the introduction of new JobQueue / T handling routines.  Need to review AstroMain and see the best way of reintroducing/fixing CompStar Method handling.  AstroPlan confirmed to allow extra Target Duration when using CompStar (eg T CrB max with no comp star = 7.7 mins (1 slew), with 1 comp star cycle (3 slews) = 10.4 mins, with 2 comp star cycles (5 slews) = 15.4 mins, with 3 comp star cycles (7 slews) = 20.4 mins.  The number of cycles is specified by the txtCompStarCycles field and this is saved in T.CompStarCycles and then to 'target.CompStarLoops'  when the Target is saved in AstroPlan. CompStar Name is saved to target.CompStarName. Examination of RetrieveTarget() routine in AstroMain,  shows that T.FrameType is set to cdCompStar when T.ObservationType = ObservationType.CompStar, as would have occurred with the 'T CrB at Max' target.   CompStar method use the OB.ExecuteCompStar() routine which is called from the ExecuteQueue() routine when T.FrameType = cdCompStar.   This is being called, but ExecuteCompStar() doesn't action the CompStar & TargetSet acquisition as code lines ImageTargetT(T2, ReturnStatus) are commented out with the comment message  "deprecated 2021-05-28". The routine currenyly sets T.Status = "Completed" & T.ObservationStatus = ObservationState.Completed, regardless of the actual result of the operations.   Changes implemented to AstroMain 3.74.3 are as follows :
    CompStarCycles  (integer) added to classT, 
  T.CompStar = objReader("CompStarName")   added to RetrieveTarget() routine
  T.CompStarCycles = objReader("CompStarLoops")  added to RetrieveTarget() routine
  Code to report CompStar details added to ExecuteQueue() and ExecuteTarget_Ob() routines
  ' (i and 1) used instead of Select Case i .. Case 1,3,5 etc in ExecuteCompStar() routine
  nMeasurements = (T.CompStarCycles * 2 + 1)  added to ExecuteCompStar() routine
  For i = 1 To nMeasurements  used in ExecuteCompStar() routine instead of  '...To (T.nFrames*2) +1)'
  ExecuteTarget(T2) added to ExecuteCompStar() routine  in placed for deprecated  ImageTargetT(T2, ReturnStatus)
  bTargetIsSlewed = False  added to ExecuteCompStar() routine to reset flag ahead of each measurement
  Call ExecuteCompStar(szTargetName, T)  added to ExecuteTarget_Ob() routine when
     T.ObservationType = ObservationType.CompStar
  ObservingDB.InsertObservation(T, Session.ID, QsoSequenceID)  added to ExecuteCompStar() routine to
     record overall Target result.
  T.LatestStartTime = T.EndTimeSlot   added to RunTakeObjectObNew() routine - OnTheFly Observing
  T2 = T.Clone used in ExecuteCompStar(),  it fails to properly clone fresh versions each time.  
    e.g setting T2.TargetName = T.CompStar ends up with  T.TargetName having value T.CompStar
     rather than the original TargetName. Although not understood a workaround is used.
  Fix attempted in AstroMain 3.74.3 based on changes described above and tested as far as possible using TestSession on the Development Computer, and is acceptable for release.   Known residual issue: An observation entry in session results table is created for each individual observation, rather than one entry for the entire target, this will be fixed via a separate SD ticket.
  Fix Attempted 2025-04-04  (AstroMain 3.74.3)

Small Defects

• Target 14/23 (ER UMa) was left to wait 18.5 minutes before starting (01:45-2:04). Due to an issue acquiring the preceeding target (T CrB at Max) which finished much earlier than planned, the ER UMa target was forced to wait 18.5 minutes until the target's earliest start time was reahed..  This is a known potential sideeffect caused by a target quickly failing or otherwise finishing early. A previous Continuous Improvement ticket was raised to look into a way of making use of the time that would otherwise be wasted. Closed after review. A cross-reference to original CI ticket should be added.
  Closed after review 2025-04-04  (Session, AstroMain, User Awareness)
   
• AstroMove isn't copying across general files in Copy Aurora Files facility from 2025-04-03 (post session).  Investigating showed that AstroMove was trying to move files from \\Laptop7\Data\AllSky Imaging\Sessions\AllSky 2025-04-03 instead of \\Laptop7\G\All Sky - Sessions\AllSky 2025-04-03, due to a block of _Annotated Folder which prevented  Sessions\AllSky 2025-04-03 folder from being removed after achiving.  Investigated showed that an Annotated image was open in ACDSee and this was what was blocking the folder release.
  Resolved 2025-04-04   (Session, AstroMove, User Awareness)
   
• Execution of a CompStar Target is recording an 'Observation' for each compstar cycle instead of just a single Observation.  Execution of a CompStar Target seems to record at least 3 (and possibly 7) observations for each time the target is acquired. This is presumed to be due to ExecuteTarget being called 7 times within the because the OB.ExecuteCompStar() routine. he No. of 'Previous Observations' reported seems to include Test Session observations.  Previous Observations field reported by AstroMain Job Executor appears to include observations that are made in a Test Session. These observations should be ignored / not countered. This was discovered during CompStar Testing using the  'T CrB at Max' target. (TargetID 3509). Fixed in AstroMain 3.74.3. Tested ok in Test Session but need to check a live session to see that there are no unwanted sideffects or presence of residual issues.
  Fixed 2025-04-05 (AstroMain 3.74.3)
   
• The No. of 'Previous Observations' reported seems to include Test Session observations.  Previous Observations field reported by AstroMain Job Executor appears to include observations that are made in a Test Session. These observations should be ignored / not countered. This was discovered during CompStar Testing using the  'T CrB at Max' target. (TargetID 3509). Fixed in AstroMain 3.74.3. ObservingDB.GetLastObservation() modified to not count observations made in a "TEST" session.
  Fixed 2025-04-05 (AstroMain 3.74.3)
   
• Slight problem wirth reporting Altitude Check when running on Development Computer (2025-04-05). Whilst testing CompStar handling for 'T CrB at Max'  AstroMain reported two report comment messages whilst checking Target Altitude.  
         Checking Altitude ..        Fail      -6.4°             (Target altitude lies below horizon)
    Ok        -6.4°             (Target altitude)
Issue occured when target lay below horizon, and occurs because the GotoTarget() routine doesn't immediately exit the routine when T.Alt <= 0 in the situation that UseTestMode is True and bLiveSession = false, which exposues the "Ok..." reporting.  Fixed in AstroMain 3.74.3 (update).
  Fixed 2025-04-05 (AstroMain 3.74.3)
   
• Exceptions occuring whilst creating/saving TargetInfo chart during CompStar Testing . Log records lines like "Exception whilst saving Session.TargetInfo1.png. Save Target Chart Fail | Out of memory." Whilst unclear if this is related to Test Environment or a sideeffect of CompStar execution,  the exception is at least being caught and doesn't materially effect the Job Execution. However it should happen. Issue might be related to the possibility that TargetInfo is opened at start of a Target, and is then closed and further written to duing 6 following Observation of Target Star & Comp Star. Extra try.catch.endtry block added around the specific code line in AstroMain 3.74.3. Closed after review, but may be reopened based on next live session.
  Closed after review 2025-04-05 (AstroMain 3.74.3)

Continuous Improvement

• Extend AstroMag to display latest magnetometer readings that have been collated by 'SAM View' application.  Implemented in AstroMag 1.1 (see Fig 1).
  Done 2025-04-03  (AstroMag 1.1)
   
• Modify Start/End Time handling in AstroColorCam's Create Custom Video Facility. After making mistake of leaving out yyyy-MM-ddfrom the Start/End fields and finding that no frames were found in time range, modification made to allow just HH:mm specification to be made. This was originally deemed to be a Small Defect, but actually it is a Continuous Improvement and the ticket has been moved accordingly. Implemented in AstroColorCam 1. Start/End Time's correctly.  tend AstroMag to display latest magnetometer readings that have been collated by 'SAM View' application.  Implemented in AstroColorCam 1.2.4.
  Done 2025-04-04  (AstroColorCam 1.2.4 )
   
• Modify ImageSet Smart Ordering to include 'Markarian' targets within deepsky section.  Implemented in AstroMain 3.74.3.
  Done 2025-04-05   (AstroMain 3.74.3)
   
• AstroMag needs to use a custom application icon. AstroMag 1.1 uses Visual Studio's standard application icon (which can be seen in the top left of Fig 1).  A custom icon should be created and used. A compass style Icon was implemented in AstroMag 1.1.1
  Done 2025-04-07  (AstroMag 1.1.1)
   
• Add logging feature to AstroMag to record Magnetometer and Temperature data.  After previous additions of SAM III Magnetometer and DS18B20 Temperature reading to AstroMag (1.0 and 1.1), the program should now be expanded in order to log magnetometer and temperature reading (likely on a 1 minute cadence).  Logging implemented in AstroMag 1.2. Data is written to "C:\Data\Magnetometer\mag_data.dat" as a comma delimited file.
  Done 2025-04-07  (AstroMag 1.2)

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