Sun, 10/09/2022 - 14:45
Hello! After I've moved to eastern Tennessee, at a location that is limited by tall trees in the horizon and lots of nights with clouds, I miss being able to image at a site that has more clear nights.
Does the AAVSO sponsor a site that members could pay for/manage to host their equipment (or are others interested in sharing the costs for a site)? I've looked at a number of sites, though most of them are expensive since they cater to astrophotographers rather than photometrists.
I keep toying with the idea of upgrading my 8"LX200/ST-402 system, but with my local observing site, the expense does not make sense. Best regards.
Mike
AAVSO does not…
Hi Mike,
AAVSO does not have a sponsored site like that. Cool idea though.
AAVSONet however does have instruments at dedicated sites worldwide set up for photometry. As an AAVSO member you're welcome to submit proposals on variables you wish to follow and receive images from. There are limitations given that these systems image for many people each clear night. But I've had a lot of success with it over the last few years. And usage cost is only your annual AAVSO membership. For the variables I get images of, I figure I'm paying $1 per observing hour 3with my only cost being membership.
Another avenue may be to reach out to one or more AAVSONet system sponsors and ask if they'd let you put a system on their property. That said, I'm sure upkeep would still cost some $$ as no system has infinite uptime!
Peter
BPEC