Schulman remote telescope access available now

The Mount Lemmon SkyCenter unveiled an exciting opportunity for Astrophotography enthusiasts, enabling them to remotely operate the Schulman Telescope. Positioned at the peak of Mount Lemmon at 9,170 feet, this 0.8-meter (32-inch) telescope is now accessible to users globally through a sophisticated web-based interface.

Key features of the remote astrophotography access via the Schulman Telescope at the Mount Lemmon SkyCenter

• Direct Control: Users can take full control of the telescope, ideal for those with skills in processing raw astronomical images in FITS format.
• Real-Time Feedback: Monitor live images, telescope and dome movements, weather conditions, and more.
• User Experience: It’s like being at the observatory but from the comfort of your own home.

Interested users can make reservations online and choose from available slots:

• Session Times: 8:30 PM to Midnight or 12:30 AM to 4 AM MST.
• Confirmation: After booking, users receive an email with a PDF guide on how to use the web interface.
   

Pricing and discounts:

• Base Rate: $400 for a half-night session.
• Moon Phase Discounts: 25% off for 26 - 50% illumination, 50% off for 51 - 75% illumination, and 70% off for 76 - 100% illumination.
• Cancellation Policy: Review the SkyCenter’s policy on weather-related cancellations and refunds before booking.
   

This innovative offering marks a significant milestone in making advanced astrophotography more accessible to a global audience, combining the thrill of celestial observation with the convenience of remote access.

Schulman telescope specifications

• Diameter: 0.8m
• Focal Length: 5695mm (approximately f/7)
• Operational Hour Angle from -5.2 to +5.2
• Typical RMS guide errors 1.5 pixels (0.5 arcseconds)
• Unguided exposures possible for up to 300 second exposures
• All sky pointing: approximately 60” using T-point (1 arcsecond tolerance for final commanded position after plate solution and offset)
• Equatorial Fork mount with no periodic error (friction drive)
• Telescope slew rate: 8 degrees per second
   

Schulman observatory specifications

• Percentage of usable nights between September and June is approximately 70%
• Average seeing as measured in long exposures (> 300 seconds) is approximately 1.1”
• MPC observatory code G84
• West longitude (h.m.s) = 7 23 09, Latitude (d.m) = 32 26.5
• Altitude: 9157 ft.
• Full Dome Rotation: 2 minutes
• Dome shutter open/close: 5 minutes