CofC 16" Telescope Usage Policies
last modified... 15 OCT 12
ALL USERS
- All users MUST BE TRAINED before they are allowed to operate the
telescope for any reason. Once you are trained, you will be given the
password to the Observer account and your name will be added to the list of
Authorized Users.
- Neff or True may shut down the telescope for maintenance or safety
issues at any time. Either may remove any individual from the access list
if they refuse to follow the policies or procedures.
- Before beginning, check the Announcements
and Updates from the main documentation page. Things are always changing,
and this is the primary way to inform users of changes.
- When starting up and shutting down, ALWAYS use the
CHECKLIST. There is a copy in the telescope
manual, and there is always a copy available from the main documentation page.
- Submit a Fault Report if anything unusual
or unexpected happens, especially if action is required before the next group
can use the telescope.
- Fill out the Log Sheet completely and accurately.
- DO NOT CHANGE ANY SETTINGS on the Observer account on Lestrade.
- DO NOT INSTALL ANY SOFTWARE on Lestrade. If you save any files, save
them in your "My Documents" directory, which is an alias to... c:\Users\Observer
- NO FOOD OR DRINK (and NO SMOKING) in the dome or in the control room.
- Empty all trash in the hall before you leave.
There is no custodial service!
Astronomy Labs
- Students must be briefed and should be given a "tour" before their
first observing sessions. You can make this part of your first night
routine. Enforce the NO FOOD, DRINK, or SMOKING rule! Point
out the safety hazards. Instruct them to keep away from the computers
and any instrumentation that might be laying about. Instruct them to
keep their fingers off the optics.
- Do not bring an entire lab into the dome at once. It's best to
run one or two groups of 3 or 4 at a time while the rest are working
on the roof. Keep the lights low in the hallway and the control room
so that students don't lose their dark adaptation. There's no room
for more than 5 or 6 in the dome, and students need to be encouraged
to take their time at the eyepiece. If they are not dark adapted, and
if they don't take their time, they won't see anything.
Public Outreach
- Two or more people are required for any group that cannot comfortably
fit in the dome (i.e. more than 5 or 6 visitors). One person should be stationed
in the dome at all times, and another must remain downstairs. Make sure you
have a plan to respond to any medical or mechanical emergencies.
- Chris True must be informed in advance of any plans to use the telescope
for public outreach. Every attempt will be made to have the telescope available
for the activity, but it is always a good idea to have other plans in case the
telescope is not functioning or the sky is not cooperating.
- Enforce the NO FOOD, DRINK, or SMOKING rule!
- Be extra careful not to leave any loose cords or objects that can be
tripped over or bumped into. Be especially careful with the handpaddle cable,
which tends to put a trip wire across the top of the stairs. Fasten the
chain across the top of the stairs until people are ready to leave.
- It's a good idea to open the dome early and let it air out and
come to thermal equilibrium before your event starts. Make sure the outer door
is locked whenever the dome is unattended.
Imager and Spectrometer Users
- You must be trained to operate the instrumentation. Meet with Jim Neff
well in advance of any planned use of either instrument.
- Astronomy labs have priority from 7 to 10 PM. Coordinate your scheduling
with Chris True.
- The food and drink rule is only slightly relaxed. Keep all food and drink
away from any optical or computer equipment (i.e. keep it on the workbench).
Do not leave any food or drink containers in the dome when you leave.