Here is the current site status for AAVSOnet. We have a couple of new sites that may be on-line sometime soon - keep tuned!
BSM_Berry: this site had a computer failure a couple of months ago. It is now updated and waiting for good weather to continue observing.
BSM_Hamren: mostly operational. The focuser seems to be slipping. Chris Erickson will visit the site in the next few days to see if he can solve the problem.
BSM_NH: operational. We are starting to work on the roof automation. This will enable partial-night observations. The Northeastern weather has been poorer than normal.
BSM_NM: we’ve replaced the old Paramount ME with a Paramount MX+, and have just finished the polar alignment. It should be observing consistently going forward. That said, it is just about time for the Southwestern monsoon, so there may be limited data for June-September.
BSM_S: Peter is on holiday, but should be starting operations again soon.
BSM_TX: shutdown. We are dramatically upgrading this facility, with first light at the end of July. More in a future status report!
MPO61: coming back on-line. A lightning strike took out several electronic devices. A new camera may be installed soon; an update will be given when that occurs.
OC61: The QHY600 has been in China getting repaired. Its temperature controller was flaky. For the past couple of months, we have been running with Fraser Gunn’s personal CCD camera. The QHY600 camera has been reinstalled at Mt. John, and we are waiting good weather to test it. This is winter in New Zealand, and snow storms are impeding operations.
TMO61: semi-operational. There are still a few glitches with this system, primarily the poor tracking on some images. Zach Edwards, the site manager, is working to solve these issues.