Observing Instructions

A sample lightcurve can be found in the home page

Time Check: Please do a clock time check each night before taking data and verify your time with Loiano observatory at the beginning of the run, and as often during the run as possible. We have an accurate clock available for phone clock checks. Please, check the time before each run!!!

Data Transfer: There are two ways to send your data and logs at the end of each night.

1. By anonymous ftp to: sirio.bo.astro.it
   user=anonymous
   password=your e-mail
   If you use the ftp option, upload your data into the pub directory "pub"
   The files must have a prefix fixed for each observatory in this format: ex. Loiano files loiIP_DDMMa.dat Moletai files molIP_DDMMa
   
   
2. Via e-mail to: bernabei@astbo3.bo.astro.it
   
   We will look at the data as fast as they come in, and we'll contact you promptly if we have any questions about, or problems with, the data you send.
   
   .

Observing Logs: We ask that you send a copy of your observation log along with the data, at the same time if you can.

Run start: Please start your run on an integral multiple of ten seconds (times ending in "0"). Check the computer clock just before the start of a run, synchronizing with your master clock to within 0.1 sec if possible.

Integration time: Use 20 seconds integration time for PMT-based systems. Those with CCDs will have to use their judgement (and/or confer with control center) to obtain the appropriate balance between signal to noise, cycle time, and duty time.

Filters: Use B and V filter in all channels.

Comparison and check star for ONE CHANNEL PMT users We have selected standard comparison stars for IP Per : At this moment the only comparison star to be used in the campaign is "Comp" of the finding chart. Positions for check star and sky are shown in the finding chart. The sequence to be used is :

Comparison star for CCD users The comparison star is only "Comp" of the finding chart. No check star needed for the moment

Sky calibration: Observers with 3-channel photometers should record sky in all three channels near the beginning and possibly the end of each run to permit accurate cross calibration. Observers with one channel photometers should take sky by moving the telescope in the place identified by the findings charts .

Apertures: Please use the smallest aperture consistent with getting data of good quality (e.g. no visible loss of light to the edge of the aperture). A general rule of thumb is to use an aperture approximately 8-10 times the diameter of the seeing disk. (An aperture too small can lead to light loss out the edges; one too large adds additional sky noise and possibly opens the field up to nearby contaminating stars.) Record the size of the aperture (in arcsec) in your observing log.

Good luck to each of you.