New RAS Observers page

If you are new to the entire GRAS system, then you need the beginners guide.

RASO_Beginner_Guide_2007_V2.pdf

If you want to try one of the telescope for free, before making a decision to subscribe, the G13 telescope (a Tak Sky 90) is available as an introductory promotion by GRAS.

If you want to use scripting, the first step we suggest is trying the ACP simulator at The Red Mountain Observatory run by DC-3 Dreams. They will ask you to register. Once registered (free) you can use the simulator and learn ACP basics. Then you need the ACP scripting guide and ACP examples page

Geir Klingenberg has some excellent tutorial materials at the New Mexico Photometrica, USA web site. There are two sites for Photometirica, one in New Mexico and one in Australia to service the two GRAS observatories, the same tutorial is availabe from Photometrica, AU. Ed has written two additional guides to cover time series analysis and AAVSO reporting,available below.

Photometrica_Time_Series_Tutorial.pdf

Photometrica Supplement Tutorial AAVSO Reporting.pdf

You should also consult the Photometrica pages of GRAS and the photometric testing pages on RAS.These give details of the photometric performance of selected GRAS scopes.

Reservations. If your subscription to GRAS includes reservations, the following PDF may be of value.

Working with GRAS Reservations.pdf

If you are not very familiar with amateur astronomical research and want to explore various kinds of research, then Ed highly recommends the following book: The Sky is Your Laboratory: Advanced Astronomy Projects for Amateurs (Springer Praxis Books / Popular Astronomy) by Robert Buchheim. It is available through various venues.

Important note: We are not set up for major planet or lunar research. Also, the scopes are in fixed configuration, so there is no such thing as asking to insert a barlow or eyepiece projection, etc.

Various experienced observers are willing to help new researchers. The best place to start is by browsing though the various RAS Wiki pages. Then contact Ed Wiley if you need any help.

Group Master Accounts

Information on **Group Accounts** for research groups, clubs or institutions

Checking if the Observatory Open for Observation

Sometimes the scopes will be available, but the roof will be closed. Make sure to check to see if the roof is open!. Opening and closing the roofs is controlled by the observatory staff at New Mexico Skies (and soon at Moorook) and is not under direct control of RAS or GRAS. Make sure that you check to see that the roofs are open before imaging. And. even if the roof is open, this does not mean that there are not clouds or fog over your target. Check the all sky camera, if possible.

Both observatories have excellent weather support, available through the GRAS Information Center. It is always a good idea to consult them.

Having said this: use the time when the roof is closed and systems are available to load and check scripts, become familiar with the options and other such non-observing activities.