Remote Video Astronomy: Simple, Satisfying, Cold Defying
![Picture](/uploads/3/4/8/5/34854813/published/picture1.png?1581290773)
My remote setup is seen in the adjacent image: A 100mm SkyWatcher Pro ED refractor, Celestron AVX mount, and any one of my MallinCam CMOS video cameras connected to my laptop. Sure…cables and computers make the setup sound complex. But, let me explain how my remote solution is designed. Before doing any viewing, I found a spot on the patio where I could plug the mount into an external outlet.
![Picture](/uploads/3/4/8/5/34854813/published/picture2.png?1581290467)
Upon carrying the fully-assembled rig outside, leveling the tripod, and doing a polar alignment, I marked tripod foot location for reasonably reliable future placement. By doing so, I can avoid having to go through the polar alignment process each time. From this location, I can snake the USB3 cable and mount handset through the patio door, gently closing it around the cables (gently…you don’t want to kink your cables!).
With no further PA required given my exposure times, each session is streamlined: Carry the rig outside, place the tripod feet on their marks, plug in the cords/cables, and set my goto/viewing in motion. Once set up, control of mounts and cameras is the same as if you were outside with frosted eyelids. Of course, this solution doesn’t give a perfect, airtight fit for the door (a couple of pool noodles inserted in the vertical track can help with that). But, there’s not much room for cold air to sneak in.
While remote video astronomy works nicely during our frigid winter months, it’s also quite handy during buggy, muggy summer nights. No sweat, no bugs, and no swollen bites go hand-in-hand with summertime remote video astronomy. Granted, I prefer immersion under the night’s canopy to being inside, but in a cold (or hot) pinch, remote viewing is very rewarding.
In the End…
Remote video astronomy can take on many designs, some more elaborate than others. My simple, functional approach serves my needs well. And, it provides a quick, comfortable, safe way for all of us to enjoy clear skies regardless whenever they occur. How might you engage in remote astronomy? Give it a try…you just might enjoy it!