Crew 184 - Astronomy Reports
POSTED ON DECEMBER 4, 2017
Astronomy Report – December 4th
Facility Utilized: Musk Observatory
Crewmembers Utilized: Thomas Horn
Supplies Utilized: Solar Telescope / Eyepiece / Camera / Dome
Duration (minutes): 180 minutes
Description of Activity: Radiation is a deadly threat to astronauts both in transit to and on the surface of mars, particularly when the astronauts are exposed to the sun. While astronauts can rely on ground support to identify any solar hazards that develop, communication with the ground cannot be guaranteed. If a Mars Habitat had an independent method of solar observation it could provide critical advance notice that solar flares or other hazards were developing and give direction to crew to shelter in place in radiation storm shelters.
Today’s activity was primarily focused on setting up the solar observatory for operation throughout the mission. A quick survey of the sun was done and no unusual solar activity was spotted. Images below were taken during today’s operation.
POSTED ON DECEMBER 5, 2017 Astronomy Report – December 5th Name: Thomas Horn
Crew: 184
Date: 12/5/2017
Sky Conditions: Clear
Wind Conditions: Still
Observation Start Time: 8:30am
Observation End Time: 9:30am
Summary: Did a scan of solar features for unusual activity. None observed. Image of solar surface attached.
Objects Viewed: Sun
Problems Encountered: None
POSTED ON DECEMBER 6, 2017 Astronomy Report – December 6th Name: Thomas Horn
Crew: 184
Date: 12/6/2017
Sky Conditions: Clear
Wind Conditions: Light Wind
Observation Start Time: 3:30pm
Observation End Time: 5:00pm
Summary: Crew Astronomer trained crew on observatory and telescope operations, no actual observing done.
Objects Viewed: N/A
Problems Encountered: None
POSTED ON DECEMBER 6, 2017 Astronomy Report – December 6th Name: Thomas Horn
Crew: 184
Date: 12/6/2017
Sky Conditions: Clear
Wind Conditions: Light Wind
Observation Start Time: 3:30pm
Observation End Time: 5:00pm
Summary: Crew Astronomer trained crew on observatory and telescope operations, no actual observing done.
Objects Viewed: N/A
Problems Encountered: None
POSTED ON DECEMBER 7, 2017 Astronomy Report – December 7th Astronomy Report
Name: Akash Trivedi Crew: 184 Date: 7/12/17
Sky Conditions: Clear
Wind Conditions: Light
Observation Start Time: 2:45pm
Observation End Time: 4pm
Summary: No interesting features, took a few pics
Objects Viewed: Sun
Problems Encountered: None
POSTED ON DECEMBER 11, 2017 Astronomy Report – December 11th Astronomy Report
Name: Thomas Horn Crew: 184 Date: 12/11/17
Sky Conditions: Clear
Wind Conditions: Still
Observation Start Time: 10:30am
Observation End Time: 1:30pm
Summary: It was reported there were interesting prominence’s at the limb of the sun. These were not able to be observed, but two sunspots were identified in the below image.
Objects Viewed: Sun, Sunspot
Problems Encountered: None
POSTED ON DECEMBER 12, 2017
Astronomy Report – December 12th
Name: Thomas Horn Crew: 184
Date: 12/12/17
Sky Conditions: Clear
Wind Conditions: Light Winds
Observation Start Time: 11:30am
Observation End Time: 2:30pm
Summary: We were able to observe three prominence’s on the limb of the sun which were visible using the eyepiece as well as the camera. They are imaged below. In the raw image it was impossible to view the prominence and the sun surface at the same time (as expected). We are novices at photoshop, but attempted to optimize different parts of the picture for different settings to allow both features to be present in the same image. Images of the three prominence’s are attached that were experimented with. If anyone has advice or instructions on how to better utilize Photoshop to allow two very different features to show through in the same image it would be welcomed.
Hoping this solar activity continues!
Objects Viewed: 3 Solar Prominences
Problems Encountered: None
POSTED ON DECEMBER 13, 2017 Astronomy Report – December 13th Name: Thomas Horn Crew: 184 Date: 12/13/17
Sky Conditions: Cloud Covered
Wind Conditions: Light Winds
Observation Start Time: 11:30am
Observation End Time: 2:30pm
Summary: Unfortunately observing was not able to be done today due to extensive cloud cover. We are hoping the cloud clears enough to allow us to watch the Geminids tonight. In the meantime we used the procedure Peter sent out yesterday to re-process the images from yesterday and it worked great, example below.
Thanks for the help! We will try again tomorrow and hope the clouds clear.
Objects Viewed: Nothing
Problems Encountered: Clouds
December 15, 2017 Astronomy Report – December 15th Astronomy Report
Name: Thomas Horn Crew: 184 Date: 7/15/17
Sky Conditions: Clear
Wind Conditions: Light
Observation Start Time: 2:00 pm
Observation End Time: 2:30 pm
Summary: No observing, shutdown Observatory and returned Laptop to HAB
Objects Viewed: None
Problems Encountered: None
