Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- courses:ast100:itelescope [2025/12/07 22:32] – created asad
+++ courses:ast100:itelescope [2025/12/09 23:44] (current) – shahal
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ====== 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.
+-----
+===== 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.
+-----
+===== 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.
+-----
+===== 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.
+-----
+===== 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).
+-----
+===== 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.
+-----
+===== 9. Recommended Next Steps =====
+  - After downloading the data, continue to the [[ip|Image processing for astrophotography]] sections for calibration, stacking, and post-processing.
+-----
+====== End of Imaging with iTelescope Section ======