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Research and Imaging Programfor the SVAS
Current Situation
• Society supports beginners well– Messier Group– Community Outreach programs
• Monthly star parties appeal to all casual observers.
• Society has a unique facility in the HGO and RJMO Observatory complex.
Current Situation
• HGO observatory equipment needs an update or is non-functional.
• RJMO is awkward for visual observing.
• Society doesn’t have a process in place to foster advanced observing skills among the membership.
Proposal
• That the society create a new “Research and Imaging Program”.
• Use the current model of ‘observatory membership’.
• RJMO be dedicated for use in this program and updated for remoteable operations.
• Membership in the program would be open to all ready to make the commitment.
Proposal
• Program membership would require a donation of $1,000 plus a program fee of $20/month.
• The Society would direct $10,000 of it’s funds to this program.
• The program would be initiated only if a minimum of 10 members sign up.
• The program membership would elect a program director and two members to serve as a program steering committee.
Proposal
• Program would be phased in over 15 months
• Program steering committee would plan for improvements and operations of RJMO.
• Plans would be approved by a vote of the program membership and the SVAS Board.
• Program members would commit to 15 hours/year of work on site as required.
Possible Expenses-• Automate the current dome - $3,000• Filter wheel and filters suitable for imaging and
photometry - $4,000• Cloud sensing, remote viewing and other electronics -
$3,000• Computer capable of controlling camera and
telescope and image archive - $1,500• Software licenses for multi-user remote operations-
$1,800• Other updates to physical plant - $3,000• First years Operations Fund $2,500
Total $19,800
Current Equipment
• Ash Dome $20,000
• Structure $15,000
• Optical Tube Assembly $20,000
• Paramount ME $12,500
• Camera $6,000
Total $73,500
Operational FundOngoing Annual Costs
• Subscribe to and install satellite DSL or similar - $800
• Existing software upgrades- $500
Possible Projects
• Remote imaging would be possible any clear night.
• Photometric research projects– Asteroid tracking and characterization– Monitoring variable stars for outburst and other
behavior – Supernova search– Exoplanet transit search
What would it take?
• Board approval to create and support a new on-going program.
• Transfer ownership of equipment to SVAS as a donation.
• Active, interested and cooperative members for the program.
Conclusion
• Program provides advanced observing resource to the society.
• Program provides a structured activity.
• Program makes good use of the RJMO observatory.
• Program provides a sound way to secure the equipment donation.