FAQ
How does DSW’s subscription platform work?
All members of a particular team choose targets at will. Our people will coordinate the schedule and manage the systems. After a 100% quality check which occurs after every imaging session, data is posted to the DSW Data Cloud. All data gathered on your particular system(s) are automatically synchronized to your processing PC.
On average, how many clear nights can I expect in a year from the New Mexico Observatory?
On average, we are clear about 250 nights per year.
Where is the observatory located?
We have two observatories both located in New Mexico close to Santa Fe, about 7,400 feet above sea level.
What are the system specifications available to new subscribers?
All systems are equipped with either Astrodon or Chroma LRGBSHO filters.
| Platform | Camera | Focal Length | Pixel Size | Image Scale | Bandpass (nm) | Mount | Location | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rokinon 135 f/2 | QSI583-ws | 130 | 5.4 | 8" | 5 | A-P Mach1GTO | DSW-NM | $600 |
| Takahashi FSQ-106 | QSI683-wsg8 | 530 | 5.4 | 2.1" | 5 | Paramount MyT | DSW-NM | $1,200 |
| AGO Newtonian (Coming Soon) | QSI683-wsg8 | 1205 | 5.4 | 0.92" | 5 | Paramount ME I | DSW-NM | $1,800 |
| Astro-Physics RH 305 | SBIG STX-16803 | 1160 | 9 | 1.6" | 5 | A-P 1600GTO | DSW-NM | $2,000 |
| Astro-Physics Starfire 175 | FLI ML16070 | 1400 | 7 | 1" | 5 | A-P 1600GTO-AE | DSW-NM | $2,400 |
| PlaneWave CDK17 (Coming Soon) | FLI ML16803 | 2939 | 9 | 0.63" | 5 | 10 Micron GM3000 | DSW-NM | $2,600 |
| Takahaski TOA-150 | FLI FML16200 | 1100 | 6 | 1.1" | 8 | A-P 1600GTO-AE | DSW-Chile | $2,800 |
| PlaneWave 17 | FLI ML16803 | 2939 | 9 | 0.63" | 8 | 10 Micron GM3000 | DSW-Chile | $3,500 |
Do you offer a free trial?
No, but we do offer free sample data sets for each system. The data sets are calibrated master files. Feel free to process and publish to our Instagram page. If you use the data as part of a published image please credit DSW by stating “Image Acquisition by the staff at Deep Sky West Remote Observatory (www.DeepSkyWest.com)” – We thank you for this consideration.
I am ready to sign up, what do I do?
Click on this link and it will take you to our subscription page. From here you will select the scope your imaging platform. After filling out the necessary information, a representative will contact you via email with more information about how to set up your new account.
I have this fantastic repository of data from my subscription, but I don’t know what to do with it. Please help!
Check out this link to our tutorial page. These tutorials are designed to teach newer users how to process data. The tutorials will cover the tools you need, the software you need, the data processing techniques, and the artistic inclinations of the authors.
I have my own equipment, but I lack the ability to use it where I live (cloudy nights, light pollution, etc.). Is there an option for to host my system?
Please click this link for more information on our telescope hosting programs.
How do I find out if the observatory is open or closed?
Our goal is to image every clear night. There are many resources available to you to determine observatory status:
Live video on the Telemetry page
Slack notifications: all members are connected to our internal communications platform, Slack where, among other things, roof movement information if posted.
Closure conditions: Weather (wind gusts >= 15mph, rain, very cloudy humidity > 85%, LAN/WAN failure, power failure).
What kind of safety precautions are taken in order to ensure the safety of the telescopes?
The safety and security of all systems, equipment and infrastructure is paramount.
The observatories (Alpha and Beta) are designed so they can close at a moment’s notice without regard to the position of any of the telescopes. The clearance overhead is 9.5 ft (3m) and the walls are outside the main floor area. The observatories will close and remain closed until the triggering conditions have passed. They will automatically reopen when conditions are safe.
Where should I display my processed images?
Many of our members post their images on Astrobin, but you’re welcome to post your here (a slack channel) and here and here (our Instagram). The images you produce are yours, only the raw data remains the property of Deep Sky West
How can I join the forums?
We’ve recently moved our platform away from a traditional forum to a new app called Slack. More information can be found in the welcome letter that you will receive after you subscribe.
I’m having difficulty processing some data. Is there a resource I can use in order to learn how to process the data?
We’re recently published the first of many processing tutorials called “Learning Modules”. A Learning Module includes image data from various target types plus video instructions by Eric Coles (link to his bio), and Warren Keller (link to his website). There are free tutorials on a myriad of astrophotography topics as well. Check it out here!