The "Live" mode

The "live" mode offers real time control of the telescopes hosted at Bellatrix Observatory, duplicating on the user's monitor the desktop of the computer physically connected to the telescope and CCD camera: like if she/he is sitting there! The software used to control the telescope is TheSkySix Professional, extremely complete and up-to-date. The CCD camera and the filter wheel are controlled by the powerful CCDSoft. Both 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.

For telescope time is measured by connection time, ranging 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.

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 observatory could not be made available 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.