David's Astronomy Pages Notes - Session 944 (2021-12-24)

Notes (S943)

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Notes (S945A)

	Session Aims & Highlights
	- Observing Result  - Night Summary Plot  - Session Event Log
	Operational Issues
	- Critical Issues (0),  Major Issues (1),  Minor Issues (4),  Small Defects (1),  Continuous Improvement (0)
	Images from 2021-12-24 >>         [ Local Files >> ]
	2021-12-26
	Python 3 Installation (including AstroPy)

Session Aims & Highlights (2021-12-24)

Main aims

1. Guiding Manager. Test out new method for limiting impact of Dec Backlash
2. Targets.  Acquire images of a selection of variable stars, nearby stars, comets & deep sky targets as allowed by time & conditions.

Equipment & Software

• 12" LX200 and ST-10XME
• 80mm APO and ZWO ASI 178MC
• CCDApp2, TheSky6, CCDSoft5, DeviceHub 6.5.1.9,  MeadeGeneric 1.3.3.373, UPB 1.5, ASCOM 6.5 SP1
• Pegasus UPB & Motor Focus, TCF-S
• SharpCap 3.2, PHD2  2.6.10
   
• AstroMain 3.48.7 / 3.47.8,  AstroPlan 1.29.1,   AstroShCap 1.3.12, AstroGuard 1.6.3,  AstroVOE 1.9,  AstroSN 1.7.1,  AstroProtect 1.6
  (AstroWeather 1.15.2, AstroAllSky 3.14.3,  AstroObsCam 1.8, AstroLaunch 1.8.1)

Highlights

•  Guiding Manager. Modified routine to adjust star lock position to fix issues during settling phase failed to work as intended and produced a significant retrograde inpact that had to be undone (commented out in 3.48.8).  Modifications also introduced a bug that stopped total guide and frame guide data appearing on Guide Chart's XY Error graph

Notes:

• Fourth session using new Observatory Computer. Teething issues have just about all been solved.
  
  

  Summary Plots & Logs

Observing Plan

Observing Result

Dome & Scope Slewing Performance

Slew/Centering Performance Good centering performance - using new JogUsingPulseGuide for movements < 2'

Guiding Performance Reasons for poor Dec guiding : White points (1)   - Cloud + Issue recording GuideStats (fixed in-session) White points (2,3,4,5,6)   - Issue recording GuideStats  (fixed in-session) Black points (12 )   - Cloud Red points (1, 7, 10)   - Dec Jump from single guide pulse Red points (13)   - Wrong side of zero line, Dec Jump from single guide pulse Orange points (11)   - Ineffective Dec guiding (and cloud in frame 3) Yellow points (9)   -  Large RA deviations  (related to LostStar events, but caused by or causes )

Sky Conditions (Locate Frames) Sky Brightness measurements are invalid due to a SBIG camera bias level issue (eventually fixed 2022-01-02)

Night Sky Summary Plot Top axis: Sky Brightness at Zenith (in ADU/s) Lefthand axis: Local Time (hh LT). Righthand axis: Sun Altitude (degs)

Actual Weather vs Pre-Session Weather Forecast

Session Event Log

Time     Event Detail 20:35:58 Session Monitoring AutoStart monitoring for Live Session opportunity between 20:35 & 06:27 20:36:01 Session AutoStarting Session autostarting (20:36) 20:36:42   Camera1 Connected SBIG Camera Connected (set point -25°C) 20:36:44 Session Created Live Session Created (2021-12-24 S00944, ImageSaveNum: 944001) 20:36:46   Scope Switched On Telescope Power has been switched on via UPB Powerbox. 20:38:26   Services Started Observatory Services started 20:38:32 Observatory (Auto) Observatory placed in Fully-Automated Mode 20:38:36 Session Pending Session pending (2021-12-24) 20:38:38 Session Initiating Session initiating (2021-12-24) 20:38:40   Plan Requested Observing Plan requested from AstroPlan (1.29.1) 20:39:28   Plan Loaded Observing Plan loaded to queue (, Plan ID: 697) 20:39:43   Camera1 Connected SBIG Camera Connected (set point -20°C) 20:39:48   Telescope Connected Telescope Connected (TheSky6) 20:40:12 Session Equilibration Session ready for dome & camera equilibration 20:40:57   Dome Opened Dome opened (opening time 45s) 20:41:42 Session Running Session running 20:41:45   Queue Started Observing Queue started (39 targets selected) 20:41:48     Target Started (NrZen) Target started (Focus Field 3, HIP 14181) 20:43:26       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 20:46:40       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 1, wide) 20:49:00       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 1) 20:49:03       Focusing Started-Foc2 Foc2 Focusing Started (Secondary Scope, using ShCap) 20:51:14       Focusing Completed Foc2 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 2, wide) 20:53:00       Focusing Completed Foc2 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 2) 20:53:18     Target Completed Target completed (Focus Field 3, HIP 14181) 20:53:44     Target Started (1/39) Target started (1/39, UGC 1971 w/SN2021afkk) 20:57:01       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 20:59:00       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 3) 21:14:16     Target Completed Target partially completed (1/39, UGC 1971 w/SN2021afkk) 21:14:18   Queue Aborted Job Queue aborted 21:14:34   Services Stopped Observatory Services stopped 21:14:38 Program Closed Program closed by User 21:15:35 Session Resumed Live Session Resumed (2021-12-24 S00944, ImageSaveNum: 944009) 21:15:51   Obs.Manager Started Obs.Manager started 21:15:53   Obs.Overseer Started Obs.Overseer started 21:15:57   Services Started Observatory Services started 21:16:18 Session Monitoring AutoStart monitoring for Live Session opportunity between 21:16 & 06:27 21:16:20 Observatory (AutoStart) Observatory placed in Auto-Start Mode 21:16:22 Session AutoStarting Session autostarting (21:16) 21:17:18   Services Started Observatory Services started 21:17:25 Observatory (Auto) Observatory placed in Fully-Automated Mode 21:17:27 Session Pending Session pending (2021-12-24) 21:17:29 Session Initiating Session initiating (2021-12-24) 21:17:35   Plan Loaded Observing Plan loaded to queue (, Plan ID: 697) 21:17:48   Camera1 Connected SBIG Camera Connected (set point -20°C) 21:17:54   Telescope Connected Telescope Connected (TheSky6) 21:18:12 Session Equilibration Session ready for dome & camera equilibration 21:18:15 Session Running Session running 21:18:17   Queue Started Observing Queue started (38 targets selected) 21:18:21     Target Started (2/39) Target started (2/39, NGC 7446 w/SN2021agdd) 21:21:50       Focusing Skipped Foc1 focusing skipped - unable to find a star (TCF-S) 21:25:13   SoftSuspend Called Soft Suspend is called due to Deteriorating Conditions (too few stars) 21:27:05     Target Completed Target partially completed (2/39, NGC 7446 w/SN2021agdd) 21:27:07   Queue Aborted Job Queue aborted 21:27:26   Services Stopped Observatory Services stopped 21:27:33 Program Closed Program closed by User 21:28:06 Session Resumed Live Session Resumed (2021-12-24 S00944, ImageSaveNum: 944014) 21:28:21   Obs.Manager Started Obs.Manager started 21:28:23   Obs.Overseer Started Obs.Overseer started 21:28:27   Services Started Observatory Services started 21:28:41 Session Monitoring AutoStart monitoring for Live Session opportunity between 21:28 & 06:27 21:28:43 Observatory (AutoStart) Observatory placed in Auto-Start Mode 21:28:45   AutoStart Delayed Session delayed due to cloud 21:29:52   Dome Closed Dome closed (closing time 45s) 21:31:56   Services Started Observatory Services started 21:32:12   Telescope Connected Telescope Connected (TheSky6) 21:45:24 Session AutoStarting Session autostarting (21:45) 21:45:45   Services Started Observatory Services started 21:45:49 Observatory (Auto) Observatory placed in Fully-Automated Mode 21:45:54 Session Pending Session pending (2021-12-24) 21:45:56 Session Initiating Session initiating (2021-12-24) 21:46:03   Plan Loaded Observing Plan loaded to queue (, Plan ID: 697) 21:46:15   Camera1 Connected SBIG Camera Connected (set point -20°C) 21:46:20   Telescope Connected Telescope Connected (TheSky6) 21:46:44 Session Equilibration Session ready for dome & camera equilibration 21:47:30   Dome Opened Dome opened (opening time 45s) 21:47:32 Session Running Session running 21:47:35   Queue Started Observing Queue started (36 targets selected) 21:47:39     Target Started (4/39) Target started (4/39, UGC 12188 w/SN2021ucg) 21:50:27       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 21:52:38       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 7) 22:10:16     Target Completed Target completed (4/39, UGC 12188 w/SN2021ucg) 22:10:20     Target Started (5/39) Target started (5/39, Nova Cas 2021) 22:13:32       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 22:15:19       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 8) 22:22:42     Target Completed Target completed (5/39, Nova Cas 2021) 22:22:47     Target Started (6/39) Target started (6/39, 132P/Helin-Roman-Alu) 22:26:50       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 22:28:43       Focusing Failed Foc1 focusing failed - star lost 22:37:59     Target Completed Target completed (6/39, 132P/Helin-Roman-Alu) 22:38:03     Target Started (7/39) Target started (7/39, GCVS BL Lac) 22:41:59       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 22:44:15       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 10) 22:48:17     Target Completed Target completed (7/39, GCVS BL Lac) 22:48:21     Target Started (8/39) Target started (8/39, GCVS HH And) 22:49:20     Target Failed Target failed due to centering error (8/39, GCVS HH And) 22:49:22   Queue Aborted Job Queue aborted 22:49:33   Services Stopped Observatory Services stopped 22:49:36 Program Closed Program closed by User 22:50:06 Session Resumed Live Session Resumed (2021-12-24 S00944, ImageSaveNum: 944052) 22:50:10   Obs.Manager Started Obs.Manager started 22:50:12   Obs.Overseer Started Obs.Overseer started 22:50:15   Services Started Observatory Services started 22:50:32 Session Monitoring AutoStart monitoring for Live Session opportunity between 22:50 & 06:27 22:50:34 Observatory (AutoStart) Observatory placed in Auto-Start Mode 22:50:35   AutoStart Delayed Session delayed due to too few stars 22:51:45   Services Started Observatory Services started 22:51:58   Telescope Connected Telescope Connected (TheSky6) 00:49:44 Session AutoStarting Session autostarting (00:49) 00:50:06   Services Started Observatory Services started 00:50:10 Observatory (Auto) Observatory placed in Fully-Automated Mode 00:50:14 Session Pending Session pending (2021-12-24) 00:50:16 Session Initiating Session initiating (2021-12-24) 00:50:23   Plan Loaded Observing Plan loaded to queue (, Plan ID: 697) 00:50:36   Camera1 Connected SBIG Camera Connected (set point -20°C) 00:50:41   Telescope Connected Telescope Connected (TheSky6) 00:51:05 Session Equilibration Session ready for dome & camera equilibration 00:51:07 Session Running Session running 00:51:10   Queue Started Observing Queue started (23 targets selected) 00:51:14     Target Started (17/39) Target started (17/39, GCVS YZ Cnc) 00:58:23     Target Completed Target partially completed (17/39, GCVS YZ Cnc) 00:58:27     Target Started (18/39) Target started (18/39, GCVS RR Tau) 01:01:06       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 01:03:17       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 11) 01:10:23     Target Completed Target partially completed (18/39, GCVS RR Tau) 01:10:27     Target Started (19/39) Target started (19/39, GCVS SU Tau) 01:13:35       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 01:15:51       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 12) 01:19:43     Target Completed Target partially completed (19/39, GCVS SU Tau) 01:19:47     Target Started (20/39) Target started (20/39, C/2019 L3 (ATLAS)) 01:20:38   SoftSuspend Called Soft Suspend is called due to Deteriorating Conditions (too few stars) 01:22:47       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 01:24:01       Focusing Failed Foc1 focusing failed - star lost 01:33:43     Target Completed Target completed (20/39, C/2019 L3 (ATLAS)) 01:33:45   Queue Paused Queue paused for Session Suspension 01:33:47 Session Suspended Session suspended 01:34:35   Dome Closed Dome closed (closing time 50s) 01:47:56     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (21/39, UGC 4002 w/SN2021wvy) due to cloud 01:59:50     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (22/39, GCVS SY Cnc) due to cloud 02:09:01     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (23/39, GCVS GK Per) due to cloud 02:20:08     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (24/39, AT2021agdv (CV)) due to cloud 02:31:06     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (25/39, GCVS U Mon) due to cloud 02:51:17     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (26/39, Scholz's Star) due to cloud 03:12:39     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (27/39, AT2021rl) due to cloud 03:34:31     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (28/39, NGC 1569 w/AT2021aczn) due to cloud 03:56:23     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (29/39, UGC 3855 w/SN2021agco) due to cloud 04:18:45     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (30/39, UGC 4550) due to cloud 04:32:11     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (31/39, GCVS RR Leo) due to cloud 04:51:08     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (32/39, 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko) due to cloud 05:10:45     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (33/39, NGC 3310 w/SN2021gmj) due to cloud 05:32:37     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (34/39, NGC 3836 w/SN2021aefs) due to cloud 05:54:29     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (35/39, PKS0735+17 w/AT2021agfn) due to cloud 06:16:21     Target Cancelled Target cancelled (36/39, AT2021bnz) due to cloud 06:25:25 Session Resuming Session resuming 06:26:10   Dome Opened Dome opened (opening time 45s) 06:26:12 Session Running Session running 06:26:14   Queue Resumed Observing Queue resumed 06:26:17     Target Started (37/39) Target started (37/39, GCVS RZ LMi) 06:33:16   SoftSuspend Called Soft Suspend is called due to Deteriorating Conditions (too few stars) 06:34:41   SoftSuspend Cancelled Soft Suspend is cancelled due to improved conditions 06:35:20     Target Completed Target completed (37/39, GCVS RZ LMi) 06:35:24     Target Started (38/39) Target started (38/39, NGC 4227 w/SN2021biz) 06:37:11   SoftSuspend Called Soft Suspend is called due to Deteriorating Conditions (too few stars) 06:38:41   SoftSuspend Cancelled Soft Suspend is cancelled due to improved conditions 06:40:05       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 06:41:04       Focusing Failed Foc1 focusing failed - star lost 06:41:12   SoftSuspend Called Soft Suspend is called due to Deteriorating Conditions (too few stars) 06:49:02   SoftSuspend Cancelled Soft Suspend is cancelled due to improved conditions 06:57:37     Target Completed Target completed (38/39, NGC 4227 w/SN2021biz) 06:57:41     Target Started (39/39) Target started (39/39, GCVS AM CVn) 06:59:48       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 07:02:15       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 15) 07:06:31     Target Completed Target completed (39/39, GCVS AM CVn) 07:06:34   Queue Completed Job Queue completed 07:06:37 Session Closing Session closing 07:07:25   Dome Closed Dome closed (closing time 45s) 07:08:21   Dome Parked Dome parked (parking time 49s), Az: 90.0 deg 07:09:51   Telescope Parked Telescope parked (parking time 85s) 07:10:12   Telescope State Scope parked Turn scope off. (Handbox) 07:10:34   Telescope Switched Off Telescope Power has been switched off via UPB Switch. 07:11:27   Services Stopped Night Services stopped 07:11:29 Session Housekeeping Housekeeping Started (Cleanup FITS, Create Fits Summary, Transfer Files) 07:11:40 Session Finished Session Finished

Session Alerts

Time     Alert Detail -- No Alerts                --

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Operational Issues (2021-12-24, S944)

• Critical Issues (0)
• Major Issues (1)
• Minor Issues (4)
• Small Defects (1)
• Continuous Improvement (0)

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Critical Issues

• None

Major Issues

• Guiding failed on first 2 targets due to failure in new modified guiding algorithm.  New algorithum was intended to us adjust the Lock position when guide star lay on the 'incorrect' sided of Y (Dec) zero, during settling as opposed to adjust the DecGuide Position which can some see large changes in Y position from a single guide pulse. Apart from possibly happening in the wrong direction, the new code was being implemented on each cycle of the Guide Manager loop, rather that only when a new GuideStep event was received.  Fixed in session by commenting out offending code and releasing as AstroMain 3.48.8.  Algorithum to be corrected/retest in AstroMain 3.48.9.
  Fixed in session 2021-12-24 (AstroMain 3.48.9)

Minor Issues

• Guide error data not being plotted on the XY Error graphs (Target Guide Charts).  Data not being plotted fro both total XY Graph and Frame XY Graphs even though data is being plotted on History Graph ok and Frame legend is being plotted ok.  Guide data is also not being reported in Report File/Console and the GuideSummary file.   Bug identified and fixed and new program version quickly compiled and installed on Observatory Computer part way through the session.
  Fixed in-session 2021-12-24 (AstroMain 3.48.9) ) 
   
• AstroPlan stopped updating files to web site at around 04:19.  Data not being plotted fro both total XY Graph and Frame XY Graphs even though data is being plotted on History Graph ok and Frame legend is being plotted ok.  Guide data is also not being reported in Report File/Console and the GuideSummary file.   Bug identified and fixed and new program version quickly compiled and installed on Observatory Computer part way through the session.
  Fixed in-session 2021-12-24 (AstroMain 3.48.9) 
   
• AstroPlan crashing when plotting Observing Result (post-session). AstroPlan 1.29.1 crashing with no error message when trying to plot Session Charts. Checking showed that the earlier 1.29.0 version also crashed.
  at System.Drawing.Graphics.DrawLine(Pen pen, Int32 x1, Int32 y1, Int32 x2, Int32 y2)
  at AstroPlan.frmPlanChart.DrawChart() in ..\AstroPlan\PlanChart.vb:line 468
  at AstroPlan.frmPlanChart.panelChart_Paint(Object sender, PaintEventArgs e) in ..\AstroPlan\PlanChart.vb:line 166
  Fixed by placing relevant lines withing Try Catch End Try blocks.   Unclear why issue is occuring now.
  Also due to Night.NightDate being delibrately not being set when on Laptop9 when as part of manually plotting a Session Chart.  Fixed so that the button routine to plot a Session Chart is effectively disable on Observatory Computer
  Fixed 2021-12-26 (AstroPlan 1.29.2) 
   
• New Feature to plot Av Centre Error on Centering Chart isn't working.  A row space is available for writing title and Av. Center Error value ob chart but neither appear.   Believed to be fixed in AstroMain 3.48.10 (specified x values weren't correct).
  Fixed 2021-12-26 (AstroMain 3.48.10) 

Small Defects

• Get AllSky Camera measurements still isn't working since moving to new Observatory Computer.  Error message 'Data unavailable  (AllSky Camera measurements are unavailable). Believed to be fixed (fieldx string values weren't being trimmed before assigning to ScopeName & TargetName() resulting in mismatch when trying to extract cloud data from TP2 Record.
  Fixed 2021-12-26 (AstroMain 3.48.10) 

Continuous Improvement

• None
  

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2021-12-26

Python 3 Installation (including AstroPy)

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