News / Education
John Cave discovers remote astronomy at GRAS
Having used this wonderful system of telescopes both in New Mexico and Australia, I can only say that this is a truly superb online robotic resource.
John relates his own story as to how he joined the GRAS Adventure of discovery. John, who is a member of the British Astronomical Association is also coordinating activities between GRAS and the members of the BAA.
Here is John telling his own story.
My name is John Cave and I’m from the town of Huyton, which lies on the outskirts of Liverpool in the United Kingdom. I am now 48 years old and have been an active observational astronomer for 30+ of them (I suddenly feel quite old!!).
For many years I used a hand driven four and a half inch reflector to do my observing, for my last birthday however, my fantastic family bought me a motorised 8” Konus reflector and the hobby has taken on a whole new dimension.
Recently I decided to go academic in astronomy, after first gaining two certificate of higher education, I am now studying at home for an astronomical degree.
Several years ago I joined the British Astronomical Association (BAA) which is the main amateur astronomy club for this country. Within the BAA I joined several of the observing sections including Lunar, Deep Sky and all of the planetary sections. My main interests have always been the Moon and Deep Sky observations. last year I had the honour of doing a Lunar Observation talk for the BAA at their “Back To Basics” meeting in York. The B2B meetings are designed to introduce people who are new to astronomy into the basics of the hobby. I had to do a half hour instructional talk and to take a “work group” of people interested in Lunar study and to have a workshop on anything and everything Lunar!
My new task within the BAA is as Assistant Coordinator of the new Robotic Telescope group, with my friend Jeff Moreland as Coordinator, which is part of the Instruments and Imaging section (see http://www.britastro.org/iandi/ our tab is center bottom). I have been given the honour of being the BAA liaison with the GRAS system and to Arnie Rosner.
Having used this wonderful system of telescopes both in New Mexico and Australia, I can only say that this is a truly superb online robotic resource. The telescopes that is available for all to use at these two sites gives almost twenty four hour of observational time. The range of telescopes that are available makes the GRAS system an ideal online robotic telescope resource. As for Arnie Rosner, who owns the system, he is very approachable (and I might add, very likeable) man who with Brad Moor, the GRAS managing director, is always ready to give advice and guidance for whatever needs you may have. I am looking forward to a long and happy association with the GRAS group of telescopes!
Away from the hobby, I am a keen science fiction fan and I am very close to finishing my first, and I hope not last, sci-fi book. I am, and have been since the early 70’s, a big trekkie. I enjoy any and all sci-fi books and films, good or bad, although I have to admit I have not seen a movie I haven’t liked yet!! I am also a big fan of the works of British astronomer Sir Patrick Moore, who I have the privilege of knowing personally. I now have over 200 of his works including some very rare books indeed! As for sports I enjoy swimming and I am a big fan of Everton Football Club!
Here is some additional new information at GRAS
GRAS announces, "Take your own deep space images for free"
Prompted by heavy popular demand, GRAS expands its FREE offer! G3, (located in New Mexico, USA) is added to G13, (Moorook Australia) to extend access to both the northern and southern hemispheres. This also expands the hours of service for more convenient access.
No previous experience required
http://gis.global-rent-a-scope.com/Register/register.aspx
Anyone, with an Internet connected computer, located anywhere on the Earth, will be granted free access to GRAS-003 or GRAS-013, depending on the time of day.
Designed for ease of operation, even a child with little or no previous experience can take command of the controls of this ground-based remote astronomical telescope system. All GRAS remote telescope systems operate in a very similar concept to the Hubble space telescope, with the notable exception that these systems are ground based.
The elegant interface and simple to use controls will simply amaze visiting imagers. Those that take advantage of this free offer will be able to take personal control of the telescope system and capture their own deep space images. This is a special limited offer that may expire at any time.
Please be sure to check the time for the appropriate system prior to beginning your imaging sessions. Both telescope systems will only operate correctly when it is dark and with weather permitting.
To gain a greater insight as to how the GRAS remote astronomy network functions please click on the following link:
http://gis.global-rent-a-scope.com/.
The link takes you to the GRAS information Center. The Information Center is the gateway to the entire network and also provides access to many other functions of the global network.
GRAS is the worlds premiere Global Telescope Network. The network provides access to some of the highest-quality, professional-grade scientific and imaging systems available today. This includes, Takahashi, Paramount, Software Bisque, ACP, RC Optical, FLI, SBIG, Cyanogen, Astrodon and Custom Scientific.
GRAS provides a very economical and convenient approach to Imaging and research. using similar principles of a credit Union GRAS has essentially created and astronomer's coop; thus providing extremely high quality equipment to be shared by many people at an extremely economical cost.
GRAS subscribers have been deeply engaged in deep-space imaging, narrow-band deep-space imaging, research in areas like, asteroids, double-stars, variable stars, exoplanet, nova search, cannibalistic galaxies, gamma ray busters and comets.
Many subscribers have published their own papers on their respective research. Guided by our own research based support teams, GRAS members have collectively contributed thousands of observations to the many science information repositories around the globe.
Many members of GRAS and the RAS Observatory, in addition to taking deep space images, routinely perform the following research activities: Astrometry, Photometry, CCD Imaging, Remote Astronomy, Robotic Astronomy, Supernova, Variable stars, doubles star research, binary star research, eclipsing variables, comet research, asteroid hunting, Astrophotography, Galaxies, Nebula, Planet, Space, Minor planets, deep space, Gamma Ray Bursters, Astroimaging, astroimager, photography
They use the following equipment to perform their activities: CCD cameras, scientific filters, technical experience, research, telescope mounts, optical systems, Paramount, Takahashi, SBIG, FLI, Astrophysics, CCD camera, and Photometrica, an online, software application for performing photometric measurements almost on the fly.
More about GRAS here
Learn about the new GRAS-011, a 16” ASA outfitted for imaging and research and also due to be available soon in Australia.
GRAS-006, a 16” RCOS equipped for Asteroid hunting will also be on line shortly in Australia.
GRAS-Direct CONTROL (GRAS-DC): Soon to be available in both the northern and southern hemispheres. For the discriminating imaging and research subscribers who demands the absolute best in total control without the capital outlay.
GRAS Hosting at RDO: Beat the light pollution…move your own system to Australia. This may be more reasonable than you might expect. Also become a GRAS Affiliate (restrictions may apply) and have GRAS help pay for your system.
GRAS...for drivers, not passengers!
Here is John telling his own story.
My name is John Cave and I’m from the town of Huyton, which lies on the outskirts of Liverpool in the United Kingdom. I am now 48 years old and have been an active observational astronomer for 30+ of them (I suddenly feel quite old!!).
For many years I used a hand driven four and a half inch reflector to do my observing, for my last birthday however, my fantastic family bought me a motorised 8” Konus reflector and the hobby has taken on a whole new dimension.
Recently I decided to go academic in astronomy, after first gaining two certificate of higher education, I am now studying at home for an astronomical degree.
Several years ago I joined the British Astronomical Association (BAA) which is the main amateur astronomy club for this country. Within the BAA I joined several of the observing sections including Lunar, Deep Sky and all of the planetary sections. My main interests have always been the Moon and Deep Sky observations. last year I had the honour of doing a Lunar Observation talk for the BAA at their “Back To Basics” meeting in York. The B2B meetings are designed to introduce people who are new to astronomy into the basics of the hobby. I had to do a half hour instructional talk and to take a “work group” of people interested in Lunar study and to have a workshop on anything and everything Lunar!
My new task within the BAA is as Assistant Coordinator of the new Robotic Telescope group, with my friend Jeff Moreland as Coordinator, which is part of the Instruments and Imaging section (see http://www.britastro.org/iandi/ our tab is center bottom). I have been given the honour of being the BAA liaison with the GRAS system and to Arnie Rosner.
Having used this wonderful system of telescopes both in New Mexico and Australia, I can only say that this is a truly superb online robotic resource. The telescopes that is available for all to use at these two sites gives almost twenty four hour of observational time. The range of telescopes that are available makes the GRAS system an ideal online robotic telescope resource. As for Arnie Rosner, who owns the system, he is very approachable (and I might add, very likeable) man who with Brad Moor, the GRAS managing director, is always ready to give advice and guidance for whatever needs you may have. I am looking forward to a long and happy association with the GRAS group of telescopes!
Away from the hobby, I am a keen science fiction fan and I am very close to finishing my first, and I hope not last, sci-fi book. I am, and have been since the early 70’s, a big trekkie. I enjoy any and all sci-fi books and films, good or bad, although I have to admit I have not seen a movie I haven’t liked yet!! I am also a big fan of the works of British astronomer Sir Patrick Moore, who I have the privilege of knowing personally. I now have over 200 of his works including some very rare books indeed! As for sports I enjoy swimming and I am a big fan of Everton Football Club!
Here is some additional new information at GRAS
GRAS announces, "Take your own deep space images for free"
Prompted by heavy popular demand, GRAS expands its FREE offer! G3, (located in New Mexico, USA) is added to G13, (Moorook Australia) to extend access to both the northern and southern hemispheres. This also expands the hours of service for more convenient access.
No previous experience required
http://gis.global-rent-a-scope.com/Register/register.aspx
Anyone, with an Internet connected computer, located anywhere on the Earth, will be granted free access to GRAS-003 or GRAS-013, depending on the time of day.
Designed for ease of operation, even a child with little or no previous experience can take command of the controls of this ground-based remote astronomical telescope system. All GRAS remote telescope systems operate in a very similar concept to the Hubble space telescope, with the notable exception that these systems are ground based.
The elegant interface and simple to use controls will simply amaze visiting imagers. Those that take advantage of this free offer will be able to take personal control of the telescope system and capture their own deep space images. This is a special limited offer that may expire at any time.
Please be sure to check the time for the appropriate system prior to beginning your imaging sessions. Both telescope systems will only operate correctly when it is dark and with weather permitting.
To gain a greater insight as to how the GRAS remote astronomy network functions please click on the following link:
http://gis.global-rent-a-scope.com/.
The link takes you to the GRAS information Center. The Information Center is the gateway to the entire network and also provides access to many other functions of the global network.
GRAS is the worlds premiere Global Telescope Network. The network provides access to some of the highest-quality, professional-grade scientific and imaging systems available today. This includes, Takahashi, Paramount, Software Bisque, ACP, RC Optical, FLI, SBIG, Cyanogen, Astrodon and Custom Scientific.
GRAS provides a very economical and convenient approach to Imaging and research. using similar principles of a credit Union GRAS has essentially created and astronomer's coop; thus providing extremely high quality equipment to be shared by many people at an extremely economical cost.
GRAS subscribers have been deeply engaged in deep-space imaging, narrow-band deep-space imaging, research in areas like, asteroids, double-stars, variable stars, exoplanet, nova search, cannibalistic galaxies, gamma ray busters and comets.
Many subscribers have published their own papers on their respective research. Guided by our own research based support teams, GRAS members have collectively contributed thousands of observations to the many science information repositories around the globe.
Many members of GRAS and the RAS Observatory, in addition to taking deep space images, routinely perform the following research activities: Astrometry, Photometry, CCD Imaging, Remote Astronomy, Robotic Astronomy, Supernova, Variable stars, doubles star research, binary star research, eclipsing variables, comet research, asteroid hunting, Astrophotography, Galaxies, Nebula, Planet, Space, Minor planets, deep space, Gamma Ray Bursters, Astroimaging, astroimager, photography
They use the following equipment to perform their activities: CCD cameras, scientific filters, technical experience, research, telescope mounts, optical systems, Paramount, Takahashi, SBIG, FLI, Astrophysics, CCD camera, and Photometrica, an online, software application for performing photometric measurements almost on the fly.
More about GRAS here
Learn about the new GRAS-011, a 16” ASA outfitted for imaging and research and also due to be available soon in Australia.
GRAS-006, a 16” RCOS equipped for Asteroid hunting will also be on line shortly in Australia.
GRAS-Direct CONTROL (GRAS-DC): Soon to be available in both the northern and southern hemispheres. For the discriminating imaging and research subscribers who demands the absolute best in total control without the capital outlay.
GRAS Hosting at RDO: Beat the light pollution…move your own system to Australia. This may be more reasonable than you might expect. Also become a GRAS Affiliate (restrictions may apply) and have GRAS help pay for your system.
GRAS...for drivers, not passengers!
