Sol Summary – Jun 5th

SOL 3 June 5th, 2019

Crew: Peter Detterline

Gary Becker

Peyton Zankel

Cole Armstrong

Power: Soc = 88% at 22:40 We will keep tabs and turn the generator on if it reaches 75%.

After last night’s observing, today became a new day of work. Last night’s observations through the robotic telescope produced some great images, but there was a focus issue and a mount error during the night.

This morning, Armstrong and I took the time to practice more with the solar scope and go through the steps of processing what we found. It was definitely a more successful day since now we had more of an idea of what to do. While we were doing our work, Becker and Detterline were working on theirs; maintaining the robotic observatory. The optics and equipment were cleaned, the seams were caulked, and the walls and floor got a good wipe down. Tomorrow, the solar observatory will get the same treatment.

This evening we took a trip to Capitol Reef to get our minds off Mars for a while and go see the petroglyphs. Many laughs were had there and over dinner at a nearby restaurant. We returned at about 22:45. Tonight we have another night of observation, and the sky is so clear. It will be perfect for watching the night sky with both the naked eye and hopefully the robotic observatory. So far, she is cooperating with us, and we hope she will continue to. If not, at least we have a pretty view.

Accomplished:

Zankel and Armstrong used the Solar Observatory
Becker and Detterline cleaned Robotic Observatory

Cleaned optics

Cleaned equipment

Caulked seams

Wiped down walls and floors

Problems: Focus issue with the MDRS-WF. Detterline will be working with that tonight, and is confident it will be fixed quickly.

Pictures:

First and third pictures provided by Peter Detterline. The first is of Peyton Zankel and Cole Armstrong working in the Solar Observatory and the third is of Cole Armstrong last night under the clear sky. The second picture is provided by Cole Armstrong of Peter Detterline and Gary Becker cleaning the Robotic Observatory.