Nightly Observing Procedure
1) before observing, preferably well before dusk, make
an observing plan for the night.
2) create a new directory
on the PC, or clean an old one, solely for tonight's data. Link to
the camera and filter wheel (see page 26 of the CCDSoft Manual). Be
sure the camera is cool, and change the camera temperature if
necessary (see page 27 of the CCDSoft Manual -- it should be running
~30C below ambient).
3) start a log of the night's observing. Front and back pages are
available in the STScI folder in the warmroom. Be sure to document
the sky conditions and dome temperature around dusk. Also record the
Universal Time (UT), Local Sidereal Time (ST), and Local Time (LT) at
the beginning of the night.
4) before opening the dome, with the dome lights OFF, take 8
bias frames (also known as "zero"
frames).
5) open as usual, following the procedure sheet kept in the
warmroom.
7) focus the telescope.
8) pick a star from your observing list, and observe
the star.
9) repeat till dawn, or you are tired, or it clouds up.
10) if it is dawn, perfectly clear, and you can stand it, take
more sky flats.
11) close up the telescope as usual.
12) with the dome lights OFF, take 8 more bias
frames.
13) email Dr. Andy
Layden with the location of the nightly directory on the PC,
rough number of stars/observations obtained, and number of hours
spent.
NOTE: here is a page for Trouble
Shooting basic problems, and instructions for dealing with major
problems and emergencies.
Updated 1999 June 09