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--- tombaugh [2025/08/21 15:04] – astroadmin
+++ tombaugh [2025/08/28 15:35] (current) – astroadmin
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 What are your responsibilities:
-  - **At least 1-week piror**, communicate with the other assigned TAs and the assigned professor about protentional targets for that night.
+  - **At least 1-week prior**, communicate with the other assigned TAs and the assigned professor about potential targets for that night.
+  - The morning of, monitor the weather, and communicate with the other assigned TAs and the assigned professor about the decision to open or close based on weather.
   - Arrive 45-60 mins early to set up for the public night, open up the domes, align the scopes in the dome, set up any other telescopes you intend to use that night.
-  - Close down and lock up Tombuagh after the night.
+  - Close down and lock up Tombaugh after the night.
   - Report to Jason and Zach an estimated # of people who showed up to the public night.
+==== Concerning Point 1) Targets ====
-====== Notes on the South (middle) Dome ======
+Usually, I aim for having 4-5 targets ready to go. Normally, we will show ~4 separate objects. One in the North dome, one in th middle dome, on in the Dob, and one in another telescope (eVscope2!).
-It looks like there was a GPS roll over during the lock down. In order to fix this the OS / firmware needs to be reinstalled. However, this does not seem simple and requires a Ethernet to serial cable which I cannot seem to find.
+When picking a target, try to think about A) How it fits into the professor's talk, B) how it will look to the public, and C) that we're surrounded by two sports field and a parking lot!
-Until then, I have turned off the GPS and manually set it - which seems to be working fine - though do note, that the date and time will get offset over the course of days / weeks. It is best to reset it before using it.
+For example, at Tombaugh, we can see Andromeda (apparent mag = 3.4) fine in the telescope. In the telescopes, M31 appears as a smudge of light. Which has a lot of talking points! If you don't talk about those points, the public might be slightly disappointed from expectations not being met.
-====== Notes on the Observatory from Previous Lab Manager ======
+If it is hard to convince yourself that you see a very faint, nebulous object, that means it will be impossible for the public to see it!
-The campus observatory is used for the undergraduate observing and for monthly public open houses. We have two domes, each with a Celestron 11” CPC telescope mounted in it. We also have a 16” Dobsonian, which is stored in the North dome. You should get a key to the domes from Ofelia (both domes use the same key). You’ll also need a key to the padlock on the gate. Note that our padlock is the one on the small gate off to the right, not the large double gate at the entrance to the athletics field. The gates to the athletic field are locked with combination locks. Jon H. can get you this combination from the Athletics department, and it’s currently 1888.
+The North and Middle dome have an altitude limit of ~25 degrees. That is, if any object is below 25 degrees altitude, or will go below 25 degrees by the end of the night, you might want to consider not putting that target in the dome, or use another telescope which doesn't have such limits.
-The North dome is the oldest, and the slit simply pulls apart manually to open. The South dome has a moterised shutter, but we’ve had issues in the past with it not closing at the end of a night. The shutter is powered by a car battery, which is charged by a solar panel. When I arrived I checked the battery voltages, which were good. Power was also reaching the motor, and it could be heard trying to work, so it didn’t seem to be a wiring issue. At the moment it’s still unclear what causes these issues but it seems to have stopped as of September since I lubricated everything. I only encountered the problem once myself, and in that case simply waiting 5 minutes then pressing the close button again worked.
+==== Concerning Point 2) Monitoring the weather ====
-However, if the shutter does fail to close there is no way to manually close it. So the only thing you can do is move everything out of the dome in to the North Dome, cover the telescope with the plastic sheeting and weigh it down. Previously, apparently the fuses on the right hand side of the dome control box would blow. There are replacements in the top drawer of the desk.
+To cancel or not to cancel, that is thy question! I seriously hate making this decision. But sometimes it is very much correct to make, cause having people travel to see clouds can be rather disappointing, and more negative of a preception than just canceling the observations. Also, you have to think about the safety of the equipment, volunteers, and public.
-The Astr110 observing nights run on Monday and Wednesday nights, and the semester will be split into two halves. The undergrads have to attend one night in each half. The observatory TA will choose the objects to be observed on each night. There will be 4 objects observed on each night; one with each of the Celestrons, 1 with the dobsonian, and finally a constellation which the TA will point out using a laser pointer. Typically, the same objects will be observed for a whole half, and then we change to different objects in the second half. However, it may be necessary for the targets to be changed due to weather conditions (especially due to clouds).
+Conditions which are obvious reasons for cancelations:
+  - Rain
+  - Thunderstorms
+  - Dust storms
+  - High winds (sustained 25+mph winds and/or gusts above 30mph)
-There will typically be 3 TAs on each night, one of which will be the observatory TA. The observatory TA will usually deal with both the dobsonian and the constellation, leaving the other two to handle one of the Celestrons each.
+If the only condition is "clouds" - that can be difficult. It is important to talk with the other assigned people and professor to come to a conclusion.
-However, for the final 2 nights in a half, 4 TAs should be scheduled, because these are usually the busiest due to the undergrads leaving it to the last minute to attend an observing night.
+**Any decision to cancel needs to be made by 5pm such that it can be communicated to the public.** This is done by notifying Zach such that the website can be updated to indicate the choice made.
-You or the observatory TA should run a training night to bring the other TAs up to speed on the operation of the telescopes and the general flow of the observing nights.
+Below are resources I like to us to help assist in making this decision. Note, it is correct to use several sites and compare their predictions.
-====== Instructions on AGSO Website ======
+[[http://www.cleardarksky.com/c/LCruNMkey.html?1|Las Cruces Clear Sky Chart]]
-https://astro.nmsu.edu/organizations/agso/telescope-guide-agso.html
-===== Tombaugh Spark Notes ======
+[[https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=32.3069&lon=-106.7778|Las Cruces weather.gov forecast]]
-**North Dome (How to Open):
+[[https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=32.3069&lon=-106.7778&unit=0&lg=english&FcstType=graphical|Las Cruces weather.gov hourly charts]]
-**Remove bolt from dome slit and pull open the shutters
-Power the Rotation Box / Motor (Plug the hanging cord into the center pillar)
-Remove the plastic sheet covering the telescope
-Plug the telescope into the center pillar’s outlet
-Power on the telescope using the toggle switch on the telescope
-Remove the lens covers
-**South Dome (How to Open):
+[[https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/GOES/sector_band.php?sat=G19&sector=sr&band=GEOCOLOR&length=24&dim=0|Regional satellite loop]]
-**Power on the switch by the door labeled “Power/Red”
-Power on the wall box
-Power on the dome power box
-Open the shutter with “open shutter” button on the dome power box
-Remove the plastic sheet covering the telescope
-Plug the telescope into the center pillar’s outlet
-Power on the telescope using the toggle switch on the telescope
-Remove the lens covers
-**Telescope Alignment:
+[[http://weather.rap.ucar.edu/model/|National Center for Atmospheric Research forecast models]] (Try the RAP model with 18-hr loop for //Clouds: all levels//)
-**When in doubt follow the scrolling instructions on the handheld device.
-Press “ALIGN”
-Use the 6 and 9 buttons to navigate the menu to “EQ North Align”. Press “ENTER”.
-Navigate to “EQ TwoStar Align”. Press “ENTER”.
-Navigate to a named star that is visible in the sky. Press “ENTER”.
-Slew the telescope using the arrow keys until the star is centered in the eye piece.
-Press “ALIGN”.
-Select a second visible star.
-Center it in the eye piece.
-Press “ALIGN”. Press “ENTER”.
-**Telescope Shutdown:
+[[https://www.airnow.gov/?city=Las%20Cruces&state=NM&country=USA|Dust Tracker for Las Cruces from airnow.gov.]] - **Also tracks fire and smoke plumes.**
-**Return the telescopes to the Home position: perpendicular to the support fork and pointing at the meridian.
-Power off the telescope using the toggle switch on the telescope
-Unplug the telescope from the outlet.
-Cover the telescope with the plastic sheet
+[[https://weather.cod.edu/satrad/|College of DuPage Cloud Tracker]]
+[[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/my-lightning-tracker-alerts/id1175031987|My Lightning Tracker and Alert (iPhone App link, also available on the google store)]]
+[[https://www.wunderground.com/hourly/us/nm/las-cruces/88011|Wunder Ground (There are local weather stations in Las Cruces!)]]
+[[https://www.weather.gov/|The national weather service]]
+==== Concerning Point 3) Opening ====
-**EMERGENCY PROCEDURE IF SOUTH DOME DOESN’T CLOSE.
+Opening by myself, I can do everything in under 30 mins since I'm familiar. If you are not familiar with Tombaugh, it can take upwards of 45-60 mins. **Do not show up 5-10 before the start time expecting everything will be set up quickly and smoothly.**
-***Note* - There have been reports that the south dome’s shutter will not close. If this happens, ensure that the IR Sensor on the dome is lined up with the IR Sensor on the motor. Wait 5 minutes. Then retry. IF IT DOES NOT CLOSE -> take the precautions below
+Often times members of the public will show up 15-20 mins early, and be edgar to talk. It can be distracting when the public is watching you set up.
+To open **the very first thing you need to do is get the keys!** - This semester, we're going to keep the keys either with Riah or Zach, and you will have to check out the keys for Tombaugh before the public night. Please do not wait till an hour before the Public Night to get the keys! (Riah and Zach will most certainly **not** be in the office!)
+The Campus Obs TA (Asif!) will also have his own set as a back up.
+To open the domes and get the telescopes up and going:
+(**NOTE** - These are spark notes, they make much more sense if you actually do them!)
+**North Dome (How to Open):**
+**Remove bolt from dome slit and pull open the shutters**
+  - Power the Rotation Box / Motor (Plug the hanging cord into the center pillar)
+  - Remove the plastic sheet covering the telescope
+  - Plug the telescope into the center pillar’s outlet
+  - Power on the telescope using the toggle switch on the telescope
+  - Remove the lens covers
+**South Dome (How to Open):**
+**Power on the switch by the door labeled “Power/Red”**
+  - Power on the wall box
+  - Power on the dome power box
+  - Open the shutter with “open shutter” button on the dome power box
+  - Remove the plastic sheet covering the telescope
+  - Plug the telescope into the center pillar’s outlet
+  - Power on the telescope using the toggle switch on the telescope
+  - Remove the lens covers
+**Telescope Alignment:**
+**When in doubt follow the scrolling instructions on the handheld device.**
+  - Press “Enter” from the main menu (you might hae to use the "back" button several times if you just finished setting up the Time-Site).
+  - Use the 6 and 9 buttons to navigate the menu to “EQ North Align”. Press “ENTER”.
+  - Navigate to “EQ OneStar Align”. Press “ENTER”.
+  - Navigate to a named star that is visible in the sky. Press “ENTER”.
+  - Slew the telescope using the arrow keys until the star is centered in the eye piece.
+  - Press “ALIGN”.
+**IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT OPENING -> **
+It can be tempting to attempt to save time by slewing / aligning the telescope at the same time another TA is opening the dome (this is especially true for the middle dome whose slit is controlled by a motor). However, if multiple sources are drawing power from the dome at once (slewing from the telescope and the dome’s motor), it is highly likely that the alignment of the telescope will be off (Tombaugh is an old facility, and yes this has happened before). Please be patient when setting up and arrive at the observatory with plenty of time to set things up prior to the start time of an event.
+== Note on GPS ==
+It looks like there was a GPS roll over during the lock down. In order to fix this the OS / firmware needs to be reinstalled. However, this non-trival and has not been done as a result.
+I have turned off the GPS and now we have to manually set the location - This is quick and only takes a few mins - though do note, that the date and time will get offset over the course of days / weeks. It is best to reset it before using it.
+**How to VIEW Time-Site:**
+  - Press the Menu button (#7 on the keypad)
+  - Use #6 (Arrow Up) or #9 (Arrow Down) to navigate (NOT the four directional arrows at the top).
+  - Go to “View Time-Site”
+  - Press “Enter” on the Keypad
+  - Use #6 (Arrow Up) or #9 (Arrow Down) to see the current Time-Site
+**How to setup the Time-Site information:**
+  - Press the Menu button (#7 on the keypad)
+  - Use #6 (Arrow Up) or #9 (Arrow Down) to navigate (NOT the four directional arrows at the top).
+  - Got to “Scope Setup”, Press “Enter”
+  - Go to “Set-up Time-Site”, Press “Enter”
+  - Use the keypad to enter the current time (in 24 hour designation), Press “Enter”
+  - Select if we’re currently in “Daylight Savings Time” or “Standard Time”, Press “Enter”
+  - Use the keypad to enter the date (mm/dd/yy)., Press “Enter” and this will take you back to the Scope Setup menu
+  - Select Time-Site again to be able to choose the city. Press “Enter”
+  - Goto “City Data Base” -> North America -> United States -> New Mexico -> Las Cruces (pressing “Enter” each time to select).
+  - It will prompt you to enter the time again, ensure this is all correct.
-**INFORM ZACH** (leave a voicemail, send a text, OR send an email)
+I like to sanity check by going to “view-time” and confirming the site time location is correct.
-Make sure all lens covers are securely on
-Cover the telescope with plastic
-If rain is suspected, slew the telescope such that it won’t act like a bucket!
+==== Concerning Point 4) Closing ====
-**TURN EVERYTHING OFF**
-Make sure outlets / plugs are not exposed to the weather (tuck them under the plastic cover if possible)
+**Telescope Shutdown:**
+**Return the telescopes to the Home position: perpendicular to the support fork and pointing at the meridian.**
+  - Power off the telescope using the toggle switch on the telescope
+  - Unplug the telescope from the outlet.
+  - Cover the telescope with the plastic sheet
+Note - for the North Dome, the Dome's 'park position' - doesn't matter. **HOWEVER,** the middle dome's park position does matter! You should aim to align the dome such that the IR sensor lines up with the receiver.
+=== Other Scopes ===
+We additionally have a Celestron 8inch and a eVscope2 digital scope. You will notice instructions for those are not here. These scopes are complicated and expensive. And in the case of the eVscope2 it was donated to us by a member of the public.
+The Celestron 8inch is in the outreach closet, but requires some knowledge. If you're comfortable setting up a scope, its nothing you haven't seen. **If you are not comfortable setting up a telescope** - you should ask Zach for a demonstration before using it!
+The eVscope2 will be highly regulated. If you are not trained on it, and if no one assigned for the current the night is trained on it, you will not be given it to use. If you would like to be trained on it, please reach out to Zach.
+====== EMERGENCY PROCEDURE IF A DOME DOESN’T CLOSE. ======
+**Note** - There have been reports that the middle dome’s shutter will not close. This has happened in 2023 to the middle Dome, and 2025 to the North dome.
+If this happens in the middle dome, ensure that the IR Sensor on the dome is lined up with the IR Sensor on the motor. Wait 5 minutes. Then retry. IF IT DOES NOT CLOSE -> take the precautions below
+EMERGENCY PROCEDURE IF SOUTH DOME DOESN’T CLOSE.
+*Note* - There have been reports in the past that the middle dome’s shutter will not close. If this happens, ensure that the IR Sensor on the dome is lined up with the IR Sensor on the motor. Wait 5 minutes. Then retry. IF IT DOES NOT CLOSE -> take the precautions below
+  - **INFORM ZACH** (leave a voicemail, send a text, OR send an email)
+  - Make sure all lens covers are securely on
+  - Cover the telescope with plastic
+  - If rain is suspected in the night, slew the telescope such that it won’t act like a bucket! (**also** why did you open if rain is suspected so soon? <.<)
+  - **TURN EVERYTHING OFF**
+  - Make sure outlets / plugs are not exposed to the weather (tuck them under the plastic cover if possible)
+  - Inform NMSU Campus Police at (575)-646-3311. Use a script similar to this, “Hello, my name is ____, I’m a TA for the Astronomy Department. While closing up at Tombaugh Observatory on campus near the Track and Field, we had technical difficulties and the dome will not close. We have informed the observatory manager. We will not be able to address this till tomorrow during business hours. Until then, since the dome is open, would it be possible to increase patrols around the observatory?” Please feel free to give them my name and contact information.
+  - Lock up as normal and leave.
+**NOTE** - Your safety is more important than the telescopes! **DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLIMB THE DOME TO FIX THE ISSUE.**
+====== Numbers to call if intramural lights are still on: ======
+Call the Intramural Front Desk: 575-646-2885
+Please note, it can be understandably frustrating to come to Tombaugh and see Flood Lights pointed in our domes. **I please ask that you do not share this frustration with the public**. The NMSU Astro Dept has worked hard over the past several years to develop a relationship with the surrounding facilities and have all started working with us to ensure they limit their light pollution. Please don't damage this relationship by speaking negatively of them to the public out of frustration.
+Just call the number, and ask that the lights be turned off. If there are any issues, please inform Zach and they will handle it the next day to ensure it doesn't happen again.
-Numbers to call if intramural lights are still on:
-Call the Front Desk first, if they cannot be reached, escalate it to Michelle Mason.
-Intramural Front Desk: 575-646-2885
-Michelle Mason (Directory of Intramural Sports): 577-646-4229