MDM Observatory 1.3m Telescope Observer's Report for 2001 May 31

Observer(s): Jules Halpern
Institution(s): Columbia U.

Instrument: Echelle CCD Direct

Worked for 9 hours (all night)
Conditions were Photometric most of the night.
Problems were encountered, see the summary for details.

Seeing and Weather:
   Beg: Seeing 1.3 arcsec, Clear, Winds Calm
   Mid: Seeing 1.2 arcsec, Clear, Winds Light & Variable
   End: Seeing 1.4 arcsec, Clear, Winds Light & Variable

Observing Summary:

Observed a variable star, Landolt standards, EGRET blazar
candidates.  Also did a series of focus frames for diagnostic
testing of optics. Observations of NGC 6971 failed due to wind
shake.

A problem with the 4-inch filter wheel was described in a trouble 
report.  The U filter was damaged.  Filter wheel operated well
after that.

Noticed that even moderate wind gusts, i.e., 8 mph, can cause
severe oscillations of the telescope if it is pointing into
the north wind.  Never point into the wind with this telescope.

------------------------------

Submitted on 2001 Jun 1 [4:49:37]