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ISSAT “Telescope Alpha”

Telescope Alpha is a remote-access telescope project by ISSAT within the Astronomical League. It aims to test user interface and remote-control techniques while providing experience operating a high-tech telescope.

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ISSAT “Telescope Alpha”

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  1. ISSAT “Telescope Alpha” Richard Berry Astronomical League

  2. Telescope Alpha: Project Goals • To build an ISSAT group within the Astronomical League • To gain experience operating a remote-access telescope • To test user interface and remote-control techniques

  3. What Is “Telescope Alpha?” • 14-Inch Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope • Computer-controlled Paramount mounting • SBIG ST-9 and ST-5C CCD cameras • Dell PowerEdge control computers • Hughes DirecWay satellite Internet link • Operation from Vanderbilt University See our web site at http://www.issat.org FOR MORE INFO...

  4. Winer Observatory Sonoita, AZMark Trueblooddesigned and constructed Winer Observatory as a home site for computer-controlled remotely-operated telescopes.

  5. Telescope Alpha’s Technology • High-sensitivity ST-9 CCD camera • Faint objects with short exposures • High-Resolution ST-5C CCD camera • Lunar and planetary imaging • Satellite communications link • No need for high-capacity phone line • Browser controlled software • Anyone can use this telescope

  6. Implementation Schedule • 7/2001: Go-Ahead from League • 9/2001: Components Arrive, Chicago • 10/2001: First Light, Chicago • 2/2002: Installed Sonoita, AZ • 3/2002: Regular observations begin

  7. Why Is Telescope Alpha Special? • First step toward amateur telescope on International Space Station • Access to individuals, schools, and general public • Think of it: an “Internet Star Party” FOR MORE INFO... See our web site at http://www.issat.org

  8. Assembly Schedule • Feb 1: Mounting and telescope • First light, rough polar alignment • Feb 2: Mount CCD cameras • Assemble, take test images • Feb 3: Computers, software, communications • Remote from warm room • Remote over satellite link

  9. Unloading Telescope Alpha Feb 1 The south door of the roll-off roof is open.

  10. Setting the Pier in Place Tom Melsheimer and Lance Martin

  11. Attaching the Optical Tube Orville Brettman Tom Melsheimer

  12. Getting Ready for Dark In preparation for aligning the polar axis of the Paramount mounting (on loan to the ISSAT Project from Software Bisque), Tom Melsheimer attaches and wires a video camera.

  13. Roof Rollback: First Night Feb 1 When we roll back the roof, few stars are visible.

  14. Telescope Alpha: First Light Polar alignment, through holes in the clouds, starting with Betelgeuse

  15. It Works! What’s Next? • Install and test CCD cameras • Run cables to warm room • Test operation from warm room • Install Hughes satellite dish • Establish satellite link to Nashville • Operate telescope from Vanderbilt

  16. Assembling the Electronics Feb 2 Matt Bisque was in charge of the CCD cameras and the computers donated by Dell Computer Corporation.

  17. Getting Ready to Run the CCDs Matt Bisque troubleshoots a minor problem with a color filter wheel.

  18. The CCD Cameras Two CCD cameras, an ST-9 and an ST-5C, are on loan to the ISSAT Project from SBIG. ST-5C ST-9

  19. Switching CCD Cameras A computer-controlled motorized flip mirror will allow observers to use either CCD camera.

  20. Satellite Link to Nashville The dish and one year of free service were donated by Hughes.

  21. In the Warm Room Terry Mann at the controls in Sonoita. Once the satellite link works, it will be just as easy to run the telescope from Dyer Observatory, in Nashville, TN.

  22. Current Status • Telescope Alpha Operational • 14-inch Celestron SCT has replaced 12-inch • Pointing calibration by mid-March • Browser-based operation in testing • Future: Bright or Bleak? • Corporate interest in ground-based telescope network • But uncertain funding for Space Station

  23. ISSAT and “the Team” Left to right:Richard BerryTom MelsheimerMatt BisqueOrville BrettmanTerry MannLance MartinSean Sheldon

  24. What Happens Next? • Operate Telescope Alpha • Gain experience, establish ties. • Seek Funds for Ground Telescopes • 3 to 6 permanent ground stations • Propose ISSAT to NASA • “Crown Jewel” is telescope in space FOR MORE INFO... See our web site at http://www.issat.org

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