The SRO Virtual Astrophotographer

Sierra Remote Observatories (SRO) now offers the SRO Virtual Astrophotographer Program.  On most nights, selected deep sky objects are imaged and the files downloaded by members.  You can watch this live as it happens (see below) and you then get the image files for your own use.  This option is preferred by those who do not have their own telescope in an area of excellent seeing or for those that are new to astrophotography and would like to learn how images are acquired and more importantly improve their skills in image processing.  Images are obtained with an award-winning RCOS Ritchey-Chretien telescope on a Paramount ME mount using a high quantum efficiency SBIG-6303 camera with adaptive optics with Astrodon filters.  You can see objects imaged with this telescope
at Keith Quattrocchi's website: www.LostValleyObservatory.com.  If you are interested in the SRO Virtual Astrophotographer program,  contact us at: Info@SroService.com.  

RCOS Ion Milled f/9 Truss on a Paramount ME

SBIG-6303 with adaptive optics, FW-8 and Astrodon filters

Live Streaming Display

In order to watch the imaging computer screen press the play button below.  During the day there is no or little activity.  On nights with good imaging conditions you will see the the telescope control and imaging systems at work at SRO.  The programs at use include TheSkyX with T-point and camera control, FocusMax V4, CCDAutoPilot 5.0 and TCC RCOS Telescope Control.  The imaging system is an SBIG-6303 with adaptive optics and FW-8.                                                  
Always use the link below because the actual YouTube address can change.