Ironwood Remote Observatory (IRO) Kenneth Archer July 2007 Ironwood Observatories

IronwoodIronwoodRemoteRemote

Observatory Observatory(IRO)(IRO)

Kenneth Archer

July 2007

Ironwood Observatories

OutlineOutline

• Problems in sector• Implementation• Prototype photos

Ironwood Observatories

Issues in Issues in sectorsector

1. Sub-standard functionality of observatories• Partial compatibility of individual parts

(telescope, camera, mount, filter wheel, focuser etc.)

• Individuals attempt to develop system (lack sufficient skills, first time developing such a system) →Time/money wasted, non functional

• Lack of available standardized parts

• No end-user support and service offered to purchasers of current observatoriesIronwood Observatories

Current observatories….

2. Automated??

• Still require on-site human assistance (dust cover etc.)

→ sleepless nights, long journeys to observatory location

• Are unable to efficiently handle changing climate conditions (rain, wind etc.)

→ leads to damaged equipment

Issues in Issues in sectorsector

Ironwood Observatories

3. Remote ability• Limited ideal observing sites (Clear skies, secure)

• Institutions locate observatories on inadequate grounds (poor visibility)

→ Greatly reduces observatory usage (money and learning time wasted, poor use of resources)

• Observatories could be located on “ideal sites” with remote capabilities

→ more observing time, more efficient use of time (living room operation, saves travel), quality results

Issues in Issues in sectorsector

Ironwood Observatories

4. Personnel skills

• Lack of teacher technical training

→ Limits student learning

• Technology too complicated / Time consuming

Issues in Issues in sectorsector

Ironwood Observatories

Issues in sectorIssues in sector

5. Other Issues

• Traditional fixed-site observatories cannot adapt to changing viewing conditions (e.g. increasing light pollution)

• What happens to observatories that have become inoperative? They sit unused and deteriorate at the site they were built.

• Traditional fixed-site observatories can be difficult to upgrade in a cost effective manner.

• The reliability statistics for existing observatories are abysmal; a majority remain partially functional, if not inoperative, for one reason or another.

Ironwood Observatories

• Large quantity of non-functional or partially functional observatories

• lack of standard

• not truly automated

• Remote ability not utilized (telescope sharing, ideal locations)

• lack of teacher training

• technology too complicatedThe astronomical community requires a standardized, automated, remote,

functional, easy-to-use observatory system.

Summary of Summary of IssuesIssues

Ironwood Observatories

• Ironwood observatories will be a Hawaii-based company

• Produce fully automated internet observatories that are:

reliable, remote, standardized, automated and easily deployed

• Provide educational packages and training programs

• Time/money saved

• Long term support and training

• Reliable

Implementation Implementation

Ironwood Observatories

Results =

Power

A system of solar panels, batteries and low power electronics has been devised

Internet

A satellite link system and other broadband options is currently being researched and developed for remote applications

Weather system ( when needed )

An intelligent weather system comprising of various detectors has been devised protecting from the elements

PrototypePrototype

Ironwood Observatories

PrototypePrototype

Ironwood Observatories

IRO in Transport Mode

PrototypePrototype

Ironwood Observatories

Various Interior Views

PrototypePrototype

Ironwood Observatories

IRO Fully Deployed

PrototypePrototype

Ironwood Observatories

IRO Various Views

EndEndThank YouThank You

Ironwood Observatories