Keen to use the Cretney? We have the first of a number of instructional videos here and on our YouTube channel by Matt Balkam the WAS Curator of instruments. The Cretney Observatory is for use by WAS members but you will need to have completed some training before you will have access.
In the video below, Matt explains how to select targets to image using the Cretney. Matt writes:
“In this video I share key info on how I have been finding candidate targets to image with the Wellington Astronomical Society Cretney Observatory.”
We hoping that members will use this info to identify object that they want us to target, check that our equipment is suitable and understand the best time of the night and the year to capture data of that target.
Key info if you are keen is 1520mm focal length and QHY600 full frame camera with a field of view of 1.3×0.9 degrees.
See https://astronomy.tools/calculators/field_of_view/
Framing and transit timing here https://telescopius.com/
‘Other places to look for targets:
https://www.astrobin.com/users/mbalkham/
https://www.garyimm.com/compendium/
If you have some ideas about what you’d like to image, email Matt. (Please watch the videos first!).
The observatory is for the use of all WAS members. However you will need to have complete a training course before you are let loose. If you are interested in completing the training please email Matt. In the mean time send Matt a list of things you would like to see imaged. More training materials and an operating manual will be coming soon.