MSU Observatory Wiki

Welcome to the MSU Observatory Wiki

Telescope Logistics:

Observatory Schedule --- here's where you can sign up for a night of the week, and figure out who else is signed up for your night.

Observatory Rules (pdf)

Getting on Payroll

Instructions on Telescope Operation:

Opening Procedures

Calibration---Take calibration frames every time you observe.

Observing with Maxim DL

Using the Guider---using the auto-guider can help keep your stars in the same place on the CCD and enable long exposures.

Closing Procedures

Instructions on Data Analysis:

Image Calibration (Bias, Dark, Flat Correction)

Choosing Comparison Stars

Image Photometry

Submitting Your Data

Observe these Targets!

Active Targets--- Focus on these!

Center for Backyard Astrophysics---This is the collaboration we participate in. Joe Patterson's emails on target recommendations are cached here.

AAVSO Alerts and Special Notices---Check here for recent celestial events that we might follow up.

Document your Observations:

Google Doc Log -- This public open log page for student observers.

End-of-Night Form-- Please fill this out every night you visit the Observatory.

Troubleshooting and FAQ:

If you have questions, concerns, or open notes you would like to add, feel free to submit them here!

Public Open House information:

Primary Observer (24") checklist -- List of instructions/procedures for manning the dome and operating the main 24" telescope during open houses.

Volunteer Spreadsheet -- Spreadsheet containing dates of future open houses and space to sign up to volunteer.