1. Improvements to the Preston Gott Skyview Observatory Lorenzo Chapa, Daniel Thomas, Robert Morehead
Texas Tech University Department of Physics and Astronomy
Automated Pointing Model:
The Tpoint add-on for the Sky X is an interactive telescope pointing analysis software that assists with the mount’s pointing accuracy. TPoint is used to calibrate the telescopes, this is done by pointing the telescopes to different positions in the sky and recording the pointing error. TPoint then uses these pointing samples to create a mathematical model of the optical system’s misalignments, flexures, gear errors, and more. (1) (2)
A standard model includes a minimum of six pointing samples which are needed to improve the pointing accuracy. By increasing the amount of pointing samples the more subtle errors can be removed which further improves accuracy. Sixty points were randomly chosen to be evenly spaced on both side of the meridian. (1) (2)
While we were able to make a model before, the addition of the new software automates the process so that the duration of building a model is much less time intensive. With the ability of the Sky X to move the telescope, read the CCD, and plate solve the data, less time is needed for us to interact with the telescope so the process is much faster.
Root Mean Square (RMS) pointing
6 vs 60 point model:
Recent Upgrades:
New Research Possibilities and Improved Teaching Effectiveness
With the new software running the telescopes we can verify that the object we are looking for is on the CCD faster and stays on the target longer. This allows for more efficient labs and for more research to be conducted. Before the new software, a large amount of time was used to move the telescope around trying to find the object, but the new software cuts down on the guess work of re-targeting with plate solving and accurate pointing models.
The new equipment will also allow for verification of the conditions at the observatory for up to the minute information on atmospheric and weather conditions.
One exciting new possibility with these improvements is the ability for remote or even robotic viewing.
Improvements to come by Spring 19:
7 New telescope control computers running windows 10
Installation of Sky X software: All in one software that simultaneously controls the telescope and imagers
New equipment: CCDs, slitless diffraction gratings, key board lighting
 The addition of a 6th telescope (12 in)
Internet: AT&T cellular hotspot
Photometry Filters
Imagers: 2 new CCDs and guiding cameras to be commissioned
All sky camera: Starlight Xpress Ltd Oculus
Weather station: WS-1201-IP OBSERVER
A Pointing Model for the 20in. telescope
In-door observing station
Internet: high speed fiber
Local Area Network
Weather
Station
Figure 1: Six Point Model
When only six pointing samples are used to create a pointing model, targets are routinely placed within 480 arcsecs of the center of the telescope's view. This will not always land the object on the CCD after a re-target and can be improved.
Router and Wifi
Figure 4: 12-inch telescopes at the Gott Observatory with attached CCDs.
Acknowledgements:
Poster design is based on templates provided by the TTU Teaching, Learning, & Professional Development Center.
Classroom
Figure 2: Sixty Point Model
When sixty pointing samples are collected, objects are placed within 7.4 arcsecs of the of the center of the telescope's view. That is enough to routinely get the object on the CCD after a re-target.
Workshop/
Storage
340
References
TPoint Add On User Guide: A Telescope Pointing Analysis System. Software Bisque, Inc. (2018).
Wright, R.S.: TheSkyX Pro TPoint Add On Quick Start Guide. Software Bisque, Inc. (2017). 85
Figure 3: Diagram of Preston Gott Skyview Observatory
*Pictures represent recreations of the software for demonstrative purposes using models from (1)