Telescope and Observatory Automation: What You Need to Know

Tony Darnell from DeepAstronomy and Dustin Gibson from OPT Telescopes overview how far you can really take telescope automation on this episode of Space Junk. Learn tips from the pros about each part that goes into an automated astrophotography setup to get the best results for your success. Also, stay tuned for the end when Dustin answers your much-anticipated question about Radian swag!

Timestamps for Telescope and Observatory Automation: What You Need to Know

1:27 – “We are gathered here today...”

2:38 – What is true automation?

3:30 – Is there such thing as modifying too much?

5:08 – What gear helps with polar aligning, setting date and time, and more for imaging.

6:15 – Automating imaging

9:06 –GoTo systems

9:46 –Focuser ideas

15:08 – Using fast focusers like theRASA

17:02 – Review of what you need to get started with automating your telescope

17:33 – How important it is to have permanently mounted equipment

20:15 – The kind ofcomputer you should use to automate your telescope

27:41 – What kind of software do automated telescopes and observatories use?

33:12 – Automating processing with software used to automate your telescope

38:27 –Filter wheelsand automated systems

45:50 – Quality telescopes last for generations

48:28 –More tips on pickingfilters and filter wheels for your camera

53:55 – Automated telescopes for super beginners:STELLINA & eVscope

1:01 – Newly releasedRadian T-shirt!

What would you include in the perfect automated system? Let us know in the comments below!