Your session connects you to the telescope you selected. Your account permissions, booking and the site's availability determine when you can take control.

03 · Observatory

Observatory equipment

The telescope, tracking mount and camera work together at the observatory. Check the session for the controls, equipment status and imaging options available to you.

MOUNT

GoTo + encoders

The mount points the telescope and follows the apparent motion of the stars as Earth rotates.

IMAGING

Cooled camera

The camera collects light during an exposure. Cooling can reduce thermal noise; available settings depend on the instrument.

OPTICS

Focus & filters

Focus keeps stars sharp. Filters select light reaching the sensor when the installation includes them.

CONTROL

Telescope controls

Use the controls available in your session to point the telescope and adjust your image. Focus, filters and other options depend on the equipment fitted at the site.

GUIDING

Guide camera

Where guiding is fitted, a guide camera measures star movement and helps correct tracking during longer exposures.

OBSERVATORY

Weather & power

Weather and equipment checks can pause access when conditions are unsuitable for observing.

Your observing session

From pointing to capture.

Access & safety

Choose an observatory and check availability. Access is subject to equipment status, weather and your session permissions.

Pointing & tracking

Choose a target within the telescope's observing limits. The mount points towards it and tracks the sky.

Framing & focus

Inspect the camera view and focus. Where available, plate solving identifies stars to check the pointing position.

Exposure & capture

Set the available camera controls and capture an image. Longer exposures collect more light but depend on stable tracking and sky conditions.

Images & streaming

Review your captured image. A live preview helps you frame a target; the final result also depends on exposure, focus and conditions.