Photometrica - Instant photometry of remote telescope CCD images

Step 1: Finding your Images

Lets say that you want to measure the brightness of the variable star V Cnc. Log on to the telescope of your choice, select 'Advanced Mode' and remember to check the 'Enable Photometrica' box when you start to aquire images:

Figure 1: Imaging in ACP

There is a checkbox like this on the 'Single Image', 'Color Series' and 'Script Plan' pages. When checked the images are calibrated, plate solved and transferred to the Photometrica server. In our case we make three 60 second V exposures with G5.

So now what?

To get started you open Photometrica and click the 'File List' link in the top menu. This will take you to a list showing all your images taken at the New Mexico site, as the one shown below (click the image for a larger version).

Figure 2: File List (click for full size)

Note the filter above the image. This filter specifies what will be shown in the list, and makes it easier for you to find your images (in case you have many). By default, 'Date' is the current date. However, if you change this date, or any of the other filter settings, Photometrica will remember your preferences and apply them next time you visit. If the list is not showing what you expect, please check the filter settings!

Also keep in mind that it may take up to 5 minutes from the image is done in ACP on the imaging server till it shows up in Photometrica.

The other filter settings are 'Target', 'Filter' and 'System'. Note that the target name must be specified exactly as entered in ACP (Photometrica searches through the FITS header of your images looking for that target name). 'Filter' can be any of B, V, R or I, while 'System' specifies which of the GRAS systems the image was taken with (G1, G2 etc.).

Next: Inspecting the Images