Journal or Publication Title:

Բյուրականի աստղադիտարանի հաղորդումներ: Երևանի աստղադիտարանի բյուլետեն = Сообщения Бюраканской обсерватории. Бюллетень ереванской Астрономической обсерватории = Contributions from the Burakan observatory. Bulletin of the Erevan astronomical observatory

Date of publication:

2022

Volume:

69

Number:

2

ISSN:

2579-2276

Coverage:

302-307

Abstract:

Astronomical observatories can be operated either manually or remotely, but both of these options currently have many disadvantages. Manual observatories require real-time staffing by on-site astronomers and technicians, and observation time is often not used optimally. Remote observatories, on the other hand, often make it cumbersome or near-impossible to modify any observing schedules already fed into the system, making reacting to important events like gamma-ray bursts unrealistic. In addition, it is generally expected that the cheapest way to upgrade an ageing observatory is to simply build a new one, but this is not always the case. For many relatively modern observatories, it is possible to convert to a fully robotic mode of operation. In these proceedings, we describe a few straightforward ways to robotise an existing observatory and how to connect it to a network of other robotic observatories. We also discuss the use of inexpensive device controllers, the importance of emergency shut-down procedures, the introduction of local and network schedulers, and the implementation of fully automated observation planning. We finally also describe hardware and software solutions, including an example of how this is currently being applied.

Format:

pdf

Identifier:

oai:arar.sci.am:359499

Language:

en

General note:

Communications of the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (ComBAO) is a peer-reviewed scientific journal, which publishes research in observational and theoretical astronomy/astrophysics and presents recent advances in these fields. It is being published by the NAS RA V. Ambartsumian Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (BAO) in English in electronic form. The journal publishes original papers, review papers, brief reports, book reviews, special communications, observational and theoretical results in various fields of astronomy and related sciences, and some editorial notes, including anniversaries and obituaries. Under the heading “Legacy”, the renewed magazine will republish some old articles of high value in English. The heading “Guest articles” will bring to the attention of readers the articles of researchers who are not employees of BAO. ComBAO was founded in 1946 and regularly published in 1946-1990. However, the publication was interrupted because of the economic situation after the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Location of original object:

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