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.