MSROStationOne
MSROStationOne Instrumentation located in Wilderness, Virginia
Our Training mission…
MSRO Science offers research opportunities and hands-on training for amateur and professional astronomers using state-of-the-art remotely operated small-telescope observatories.
Fully Engaged Instructors.
Jerry Hubbell giving a talk at the 2018 Almost Heaven Star Party (AHSP.org)
Designed as a hands-on, remotely operated facility accessible over the Internet, the Mark Slade Remote Observatory (MSRO) offers local astronomers and those all over the world opportunities to learn astrophotography using state-of-the-art equipment and, if desired, use that knowledge to execute their own observing program. In addition, anyone can learn about the ongoing observing programs being conducted at the MSRO for research and personal education.
Observe the Messier Objects Using the MSRO.
M20 – Trifid Nebula. The Trifid Nebula is a colorful combination of nebulae types that unite to create a celestial work of art. Cataloged as Messier 20, the Trifid Nebula is a magnitude +6.3 H II region of interstellar gas in the constellation Sagittarius. This image was taken with the QHY163C camera mounted on 6.5-inch ES 165 FPL53 ED APO Refractor located in MSROStationOne
MSRO Science Training Program
The training program consists of both classroom and hands-on laboratory sessions using the MSRO. Students attend all sessions remotely over the Internet. Opportunities to visit and attend talks at the MSRO facility are offered to all our students.
The MSRO Science Training Program has several elements that, when brought together, create a comprehensive training environment that makes the best use of both the student’s and the instructor’s time. The following basic elements make up the resources available to provide cost-effective, efficient astronomical training:
High-Quality Training Materials.
One of two books written by Jerry Hubbell and written and edited by Linda Billard, Remote Observatories for Amateur Astronomers (2015, Springer Books) is a great resource for students learning not only how to design and use their own observatory, but also take advantage of any commercial system that is available today.
MSRO instructors and subject matter experts (SMEs)
MSRO Science Training Manual and documents
Published textbooks written by MSRO personnel
MSRO Science Course Discussion Forum
Prerecorded video presentations
Live Skype video presentations
MSRO Science Course PowerPoint presentations
MSRO Lab Session equipment
Real-time remote access via TightVNC to MSRO
Support software as required
The minimum number of enrolled students required for each course is three (3), and up to five (5) students can attend each course at a time.
How-to Startup the Mark Slade Remote Observatory presented by Jerry Hubbell Assistant Director, MSRO Wilderness, VA. Video recorded on June 25, 2017
Introduction to MSRO Training—General overview of MSRO Science and the MSRO. The introductory experiences described in Outreach Activities are derived from this portion of our training program, which consists of a detailed overview of our training. Our main training curriculum is presented in two parts—technical training and observer training. This training includes both classroom and laboratory sessions.
Learn How to Observe Exoplanets.
MSRO Observation of Exoplanet HAT-P-16 b on November 11, 2018. HAT-P-16 b is an exoplanet orbiting the star HAT-P-16, located about 766.5 light-years (235.0 pc) away from our solar system
MSRO Observer Training Course—Detailed training on how to create an observing plan tailored to the equipment available on the MSRO Science observatory stations to observe a wide variety of celestial objects for both general astrophotography and science projects. Our observer training covers everything needed to use the MSRO facility, equipment, and instruments to gather astronomical data remotely in the comfort of the observer’s own home.
The training covers how to develop a formal observing plan for any astronomy project and how to select the specific instruments needed to accomplish the goals of your observing program. The primary textbook for this portion of our curriculum, written by VP Jerry Hubbell, and written and edited by MSRO Editor and Technical Writer Linda Billard, is Remote Observatories for Amateur Astronomers: Using High-Powered Telescopes From Home (2015, Springer Books). A portion of the technical experience offered as part of our outreach program is derived from our observer training curriculum.
The MSRO Observer Training Course includes: three 3-hour classroom sessions (live remote and video presentations—9 hours total), and three 3-hour laboratory sessions (9 hours total), 1 hour certification practical exam, plus the textbook Remote Observatories for Amateur Astronomers: Using High-Powered Telescopes From Home.
Observer Training Completion—At the completion of the MSRO Observer Training Course, students receive a certificate of completion and certification as an MSRO Astronomer. They can then apply for and receive ongoing access to the MSRO under the rental terms for use of the observatory.
How Does That Instrument Work?
New High-Precision Photometric Instrument Testing at the MSRO. Learn how to use state-of-the-art instruments and process data using new techniques and procedures.
MSRO Technical Training Course—Detailed technical training on MSRO systems, subsystems, and components, software, and system operations and maintenance. Our technical training gives students a thorough look at how the MSRO facility was designed and implemented and covers all the decisions made during the design phase to support implementation, operation, and maintenance of the observatory.
The primary textbook for this portion of our curriculum, written by VP Jerry Hubbell, is Scientific Astrophotography: How Amateurs Can Generate and Use Professional Imaging Data (2012, Springer Books). A portion of the training experience offered as part of our outreach program is derived from our technical training curriculum.
The MSRO Technical Training Course includes: four 3-hour classroom sessions (live remote and video presentations—12 hours total), and two 3-hour laboratory sessions (6 hours total),1 hour certification practical exam, plus the textbook Scientific Astrophotography.
Technical Training Completion—At the completion of the MSRO Technical Training Course, students receive a certificate of completion.