Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about SmartScopes.space
- Is there any long tern contract I need to sign. None. Our programs are currently available on a month to month basis.
2. Once I make a reservation how do I access the telescope on your network? Through the use of the ZWO Telescope Network. Simply download the Seestar app on your smartphone, tablet or compatible computer. We will provide you the log in credentials that will give you instant access to the Seestar telescope.
3. How will I know when I can image on a given night? We will provide daily updates on the weather via our Discord channel and or email on when the roofs will be open for imaging.
4. What if the weather is cloudy or there is rain in the forecast? Then the observatory roofs will remain closed.
5. Will I be able to download the images I capture? Absolutely. You will be able to download the stacked images of your session.
6. Will I be able to get my .fit subframe data files from the Seestar? Yes. Each user will receive their data/sub frames via a Google Drive link once a week.
7. What is EQ Mode? Equatorial (EQ) Mode is an advanced mount setting for Seestar smart telescopes (such as the S50 and S30) that changes how the telescope tracks the night sky.
By default, the Seestar operates in Alt-Azimuth (Alt-Az) mode, where it moves simply up-and-down (Altitude) and left-to-right (Azimuth). While this is incredibly easy to set up, it doesn’t match the curved, diagonal way stars actually move across the sky as the Earth rotates.
In EQ Mode, you physically tilt the telescope using an adjustable wedge or a specialized tripod head so that its vertical axis is perfectly parallel to the Earth’s axis of rotation (pointing toward the North or South Celestial Pole). Once aligned using the Seestar app, the telescope only needs to rotate on a single, tilted axis to perfectly track celestial targets.
8. Are the telescopes mounted in Equatorial Mode (EQ Mode)? Yes! All of our Seestar telescopes are mounted in EQ mode allowing the use of either 10, 20, 30 or 60 second exposures. Greatly increasing the detail and quality of your images.
9. Do I own the images I capture? Yes, you took the picture, you own it.
Is solar imaging allowed? No.
10. How can I see sky conditions and or weather forecast for the observatory? Click on the Sky Status link at the top of the website.