The "Live" mode

The "live" mode offers real time control of the telescopes hosted at Bellatrix Observatory, duplicating on the user's desktop the same computer physically connected to the instruments: it will be like sitting at the telescope control room! The software used to control the telescopes is TheSkySix Professional, extremely complete and up-to-date. The night CCD camera and the filter wheel are controlled by the powerful CCDSoft. The solar telescope CCD camera is controlled by its own, simple but powerful software. All the packages are user-friendly and easy to use.

The user gets exclusive, real-time control of everything, retrieving the images during or after the observing session.

The telescope time used by the observer is measured as total connection time, counted from the first login to the final logout, no matter how many images are collected and how much integration time was used. A minimum of 1 hour is charged. Sessions should be deleted at least 24 hours in advance, otherwise a 1-hour fee will be charged. Telescope time should be used within 2 years.

The "live" mode is especially useful in those cases requiring prompt decisions at the observing time or to personally enjoy the observing session. It is excellent for transient phenomena.

The enviromental parameters are monitored by the supervisor, who eventually decides to close the observatory: in this case, only the used time will be charged. In case of bad weather or technical problems, the user will not be charged.

If a specific observing time/window is needed, this must be remarked in advance, to give time for arrangements to be made. The scheduled session can be cancelled at the last minute because of important astrophysical events: some variable star outbursts, transient pheanomena, unusual cometary activity, bright near-Earth Objects are Targers of Opportunity (ToO) for the Observatory.

Click here for prices. The staff is available for any question.