What Projects Can I Do?

There are a large number of projects that can be done in astronomy.  I've separated these into two lists.  The first one are projects that I've personally confirmed using data from Wayaway Observatory.  The second list are projects that are possible, but not yet confirmed.  Eventually, I will confirm every project.

Confirmed Projects

Single (non-variable) Stars
astrometry
photometry (magnitude, color)
seeing (stellar fwhm) measurements (spacial and temporal)
sky background measurements
atmospheric dispersion

Binary / Multiple Star Systems
photometry (magnitudes, colors)
astrometry
position angle(s)

Open and Globular Clusters
astrometry (star distribution)
star density profile
photometry (magnitude, color)

Possible Projects

Variable Stars
temporal photometry (magnitude, color) (example: HW Virginis)
transient events (flares)

Planetary Nebulae
photometry (magnitude, color) of central star
nebula structure
radial profile

Reflection / Emission Nebulae
photometry (magnitude, color) of various regions
nebula structure

Spiral Galaxies
feature astrometry
feature photometry (magnitude, color)
radial profile
shape (major/minor axis, position angle)
spiral structure

Elliptical Galaxies
astrometry
photometry (magnitude, color)
radial profile
shape (major/minor axis, position angle)

Irregular Galaxies
astrometry
photometry (magnitude, color)
radial profile
shape

Asteroids / Planets / Moons
astrometry (sky position, orbit determination)
photomery (magnitude, color, and light curve)

Comets
astrometry (position, orbit determination)
photometry (magnitudes and light curves of components)
profile / shape
transient events (outbursts, breakups)

Novae and Supernovae
astrometry (absolute and relative to host galaxy)
photometry (magnitude, color, and light curve)

Exoplanet Transits
photometry (magnitude, color, and light curve)

Scheduling an Observation

Wayaway Observatory is in its infancy and not all the awesome infrastructure is available yet for you to request and set up an observing session yourself.  At the moment, you will have to email observing details to the telescope operator at cosmiclettuce@gmail.com.  The operator will calculate the observing time required to perform the observation(s) and email you back a detailed quote.  Payments are made via paypal.  Once the payment is received, the observation will be entered into the observing calendar.  A confirmation email and a receipt will be sent to you, and you'll also get a receipt from paypal.

The information needed for each observation is:

• Date and Time of Observation (UTC)
• Target Name and/or Equatorial Coordinates (Right Ascension and Declination)
• Number of Images to Acquire
• Exposure Time (seconds)
• Filter (Red, Green, Blue, Clear)
• Binning (1x1, 2x2, 3x3) or Subarray (offset from origin in x and y, x size, and y ysize)
• Google Hangout Request (optional)

Please make a separate request for each observation.  Multiple observation requests can be made in a single email. If you need assistance planning your observation, please contact the telescope operator at cosmiclettuce@gmail.com.

When the observation is complete, all raw and calibration data will be made available to you within 24 hours either via email or placed on a cloud drive that you'll have access to.