Converting from Classical to Robotic Astronomy: The Lowell Observatory 0.8-m Telescope. (12th January 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Buie, Marc W.
• Other Names: Castro-Tirado Alberto J. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Advances in astronomy. Volume 2010(2010)
• Publication Date: 2010-01-12
• Subjects: Astronomy -- Periodicals; Astronomy; Periodicals; 520
• DOI: 10.1155/2010/130172
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-7977

Abstract

Abstract : The Lowell Observatory 0.8-m (31-in) Telescope was augmented by the addition of a robotic mode of operation in early 2001. This system executes any predetermined sequence of observing instructions without supervision. Described herein is a general description of the system, lessons learned from the conversion, and a few general algorithms for focusing, collecting twilight flat field images, and scheduling standard star observations.