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Log Book for February 1, 2003
Observatory Report
Arno Wielders Reporting

During the last two weeks the observatory has been put into regular business again. Several nights were clear and on those we made some nice observations of the Orion Nebula, some spiral galaxies and Jupiter and Saturn. The two weeks have come to an end.

The work we have done consisted of:
  • Finding and re-installing astronomy software tools, like The Sky, The Sky Update, Automadome, Orchestrate and CCDsoft. Configuring the software tools such they are able to operate together.
  • Connecting the dome rotating software to the The Sky software.
  • Calibrating dome geometry, although that might need some fine tuning.
  • Imaging the two largest planets with the e-finder CCD.
  • Imaging a few galaxies and the Orion Nebula.
  • Produced an extended manual together with an equipment listing be used together with Peter Detterline's power point presentation.
  • Inserted lunar filter, infrared filter and an extra counterweight stabilising the telescope during tracking.
  • Organised the equipment and documents into normal and user-friendly places.
  • Connected the telescope to the e-finder.
  • Lots of other small activities.
Future crew activities might exist of:
  • Tracking with main CCD and e-finder CCD.
  • Fine tuning dome geometry.
  • Installing power pack for Dome controller.
  • GPS reading of the telescope.
  • Four horizon images to determine the lowest elevation levels.
  • Determine sensitivity levels for each configuration of the telescope.
  • Etc.
Within this report I would like to thank the Mars Society USA for giving me the opportunity to work with such an excellent instrument, Peter Detterline for all the advice on telescope matters, Mission Control and Gus Frederick for messages and posting the reports with the photos on the MDRS website and Don for bringing the packages with the telescope equipment. Last but not least, all my crewmembers who either helped me or were extremely supportive when I behaved like a child with a new toy (rotating the dome from inside the Hab). I could not have done it without you!

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