MDM Observatory 2.4m Telescope Observing Report for 2009 Aug 30

Observer(s): John Thorstensen
Institution(s): Dartmouth

Instrument: modspec + echelle CCD

Worked for 4 hours (off and on through the night)
Conditions were Mixed most of the night.
No equipment or software problems were encountered.

Seeing and Weather:
   Clouds all night.
   Beg: Overcast, Winds Light & Variable
   Mid: Seeing 1 arcsec, Patchy Clouds, Winds Light & Variable
   End: Seeing 1 arcsec, Patchy Clouds, Winds Light & Variable

Observing Summary:


The night started with heavy cloud and a threat of rain, but it
cleared off pretty nicely after a few hours, and stayed decent
(with occasional clouds) for several hours.  Then it socked in 
again; around dawn it cleared somewhat, at least enough to get
one short observation and some necessary calibrations.  I used
retrocam for a while to check a hunch that one of the CVs I 
had observed was actually eclipsing -- which it was!

I didn't have any problems, but I did note that the cable to 
the instrument rotator paddle is starting to get a little worn -
the outer covering has a breach near the connector to the
paddle.  If we get a new one, I vote for making it a few 
feet longer so one can see the instrument readout.

Please change to direct, as scheduled.  

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Submitted on 2009 Aug 31 [5:51:09]