M31 Pier6 Setting - Help

Hi Steve

and welcome to remote scoping ;-)

Even though I am also quite new to Roboscope I can maybe answer some of your questions:

Both cameras of Pier 4 and Pier 6 are CMOS color cameras (= OSC, one shot color), so you don´t need to (and actually cannot even) select dedicated RGB filters or other narrowband filters such as Halpha like you can with monochrome cameras.

Every image already contains RGB signals due to the Bayer pattern.

In respect to exposure time: as being mentioned on the "Book time Hourly" page the recommendated exposure time for bright objets is 30-60s (and M31 I wouldn´t consider a dark object really). In addition, being a CMOS camera it´s also recommended to rather go for shorter than longer exposure times (https://www.roboscopes.com/index.php/book-time/equipment/pier-6).

Thus, I would go for 60s exposures - as much as you like / wanna afford ;-)

CS Martin

Hi Steve and welcome.

I agree with Martin and that you ought to go for 60 x 60 seconds. There are 2 caveats I need to point out though  because M31 is very close to setting at the site. Telescopius is very helpful with finding that kind of information.

Anyway, because it will be relatively close to the horizon the sky conditions will almost certainly compromise the data you get back. More importantly though is that there is a short window from when it can start to be imaged, the start of astronomical darkness, to when it drops below the 25° pier elevation limit. This elevation limit can be found in the equipment section and varies from pier to pier, and can be used with Telescopius to see if something is in a good position to be imaged. 

I'd recommend going to the Help desk section and create a ticket asking if the roboscopes staff recommend you make this booking, mentioning that it is close to setting and you'd like some advice.

Sorry to put a dampener on your ambition, and there may well be just enough time left.

Cheers,

Ray