====== Imaging with iTelescope ======

===== 1. Creating an Account and Logging In =====
  - Go to https://go.itelescope.net
  - Click on **Create Account**.
  - Fill in the required information.
  - Verify your email address.
  - Log in to the iTelescope Portal.

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===== 2. Exploring Telescope Information =====
  - After logging in, click on **Telescopes** in the top navigation bar.
  - Browse the list of available telescopes.
  - For each telescope, review:
      * Focal length  
      * Camera model and pixel size  
      * Field of view  
      * Mount type  
      * Available filters  
      * Location and weather status  
  - Click on a telescope name to open the full technical specifications page.
  - You may also visit [[https://telescopius.com/telescope-simulator]] and choose iTelescope along with your preferred telescope to preview the field of view. This allows you to see how the target object will appear in that setup.

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===== 4. Making an instant observation =====
  - If the telescope is available, not being used by any other user, you can also make an instant observation.
  - Click Deep Sky Object or one-click image.   
  - Search for your object by:
      * Name (e.g., M42, NGC 7000)  
      * Coordinates (RA/DEC)
  - Check the visibility and moon conditions.
  - Confirm framing in the preview window.
  - Select filters and the number of images. 
  - For each filter you wish to use, add a row:
      * Filter name (L, R, G, B, Ha, OIII, SII, etc.)
      * Exposure duration (seconds or minutes)
      * Number of exposures
      * Binning (1x1 or 2x2 depending on telescope)
  - Repeat for all filters.
  - Confirm the total imaging time displayed at the bottom.
  - Click on acquire images to start the observation.
  - You can also save the plan to use as an observation plan to book any telescope for later. In the reserved time, the plan will run automatically. 

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===== 6. Submitting the Plan =====
  - After reviewing everything, click **Submit Plan**.
  - If using a reservation system, confirm the time slot.
  - If running real-time imaging:
      * The plan will start immediately if the telescope is online.

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===== 7. Monitoring Your Imaging Session =====
  - Go to **Terminal → Live Session**.
  - The terminal window shows:
      * Current subframe  
      * Filter in use  
      * Exposure progress  
      * Telescope status  
      * Weather and safety alerts  
  - You can cancel the plan any time with **Abort Plan** (bottom-right corner).

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===== 8. Viewing and Downloading Your Images =====
  - When imaging completes, go to **My Data**.
  - Locate your session by date or plan name.
  - Click on the session to view:
      * Light frames  
      * Calibration frames (if provided)  
      * FITS metadata  
  - Download options:
      * Individual FITS files  
      * ZIP archive of the entire session  
  - Save the files to your local computer for stacking and processing.

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===== 9. Recommended Next Steps =====
  - After downloading the data, continue to the [[ip|Image processing for astrophotography]] sections for calibration, stacking, and post-processing.

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====== End of Imaging with iTelescope Section ======