SPA-2-CMOS Issues

[Ken Abremski]

Can anyone explain why there have been no SPA-2-CMOS images since the beginning of April? I notice that targets are scheduled in the Future Observations tab, but they always get rescheduled. 

Thanks,

Ken

[Astro Newbie]

Hello Ken, 

I'm sure that a lot of us have been longing for it to return and I thought I remembered readng something about it going offline for a while, but cannot find what I thought I saw.

At present above a certain declination there is no way to get close up images of galaxies, of which during the last few months there have been many. Here's hoping it will be back up shortly as I too share your frustration. 

CS Ray 

[ERNESTO GUIDO]

Hello Ken, CS Ray

Unfortunately, several issues were found with the SPA2 telescope mount. After an on-site visit by our technicians, it was determined that the damage is more severe than initially thought. Sending the telescope back to the factory for repairs will take some time due to its size and complexity, so we are currently working on the necessary shipping arrangements.

Clear Skies,

Ernesto

[David Mihalic]

What a shame. We currently have NO large telescopes in the Northern hemisphere. They are all only 10cm now. 

[Ken Abremski]

Thanks, Ernesto. Hope all the repairs go smoothly and looking forward to its return at some point.

[Astro Newbie]

Thanks Ernesto for the update, obviously not a 2 minute fix then. As Ken said, looking forward to getting it back.