Another Observing Run!

This is my first observing run for my new thesis project, and I couldn't be more excited.

Another graduate student and I got to the mountain two days before our run. The night before we started getting data for our use was gorgeous, and we collected data for someone that was remotely observing. I got to learn all kinds of new proceedures and learn about interferometry, which is the technique I'm now using. With the six telescopes in this array, the light is combined so stellar surfaces can be resolved---stars aren't just points of light!

Last night we were quickly in a cloud, but the telescope operator gave us a tour of the 100-inch telescope that Edwin Hubble used to measure the expansion of the universe. The old instruments were still there, and it was just beautiful. I have some photos that I will share, but I can't yet get them on my laptop (I forgot my SD card converter).

Tonight is worse. While I was sleeping, it snowed. It isn't much, but it is still snow. I'm still in a cloud, which is presently dumping more snow. I didn't even leave the "cottage" that I'm staying in today. Cottage is a lie; it's a trailer. It is a lot nicer than some other places I've stayed while observing, but giving it the name "cottage" is just misleading and cruel. It does have a fireplace, so maybe that qualifies it?

I leave on Sunday, but the other graduate student stays until Friday. I'm hopeful that some useful data will be taken.