Welcome to the MSU Observatory Research Program (MORP) 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.
Instructions on Telescope Operation:
Calibration---Take calibration frames every time you observe.
Using the Guider---using the auto-guider can help keep your stars in the same place on the CCD and enable long exposures.
Instructions on Data Analysis:
Image Calibration (Bias, Dark, Flat Correction)
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.