Major Project Aims

• To perform multiple observations to a high standard and obtain several images of open clusters for analysis.
• Working with Paul Hallam and Ryan Cheale, compare dark frames for a variety of temperatures and exposure lengths and confirm that they do not vary with time.
• Use python to write a program to analyse the dark frames and produce histograms and axis projections.
• Write a program to simulate a star field.
• Write a program to count the number of stars in an open cluster.

Equipment

• Meade LX200GPS telescope.
• SBIG ST-8XME camera.
• Field of view 18.7 x 12.4 arc seconds.

Dark Frames

Dark frame log books:

• Log book entry 1
• Log book entry 2

First observation

Targets:

• Gamma Cassiopeia - variable star
• NGC 381 - open cluster
• Dragonfly Cluster (NGC 457 - C13) - open cluster
• IC10 - galaxy
• Bodes Nebula - galaxy

• Open dome doors
• Uncover telescope
• Remove dust caps
• Plug in and turn on telescope
• Point towards Vega and synchronize
• Stellarium used to move telescope

Config - plugins - telescope control - configure - telescopes - start - close - click target - space - alt 1

Data taken: /Desktop/Data/20131023_PH_CH_RC