Observatory Rules
& Policies.

How are the observatory roofs controlled?

Our observatory roofs are automatically controlled using environmental monitoring equipment, including an AAG CloudWatcher system.

The system monitors weather conditions such as precipitation, humidity and daylight, helping determine whether conditions are safe for observatory operation.

The protection of customers' equipment is our highest priority. All customers must respect the observatory's automated roof control and safety decisions.

The following conditions can trigger roof closure:

• Precipitation: When wet conditions are detected.
• Humidity: Typically between 95% and 98%, depending on the season.
• Wind: Generally above 20–25 km/h.
• Other conditions: Storms, daylight and power outages.

These limits are designed to protect customers' equipment and may vary depending on operating conditions.

Customers must respect all roof closures and safety restrictions, regardless of whether they personally consider conditions suitable for imaging.

Customers can check current conditions through our website and the PixelSkiesAstro App.

Available information includes:

• Live readings from our on-site weather station.
• Observatory roof status.
• All-Sky camera images.
• Sky Quality Meter (SQM) readings.
• Weather and environmental monitoring information.

The app also provides notifications when a roof has been disabled.

You can access the information on our Weather Conditions page.

Yes. We strongly recommend checking both current conditions and weather forecasts before powering up your equipment.

In addition to our own monitoring systems, customers may consult AEMET, Meteoblue and WetterOnline for forecasts.

Please remember that external forecasts are advisory. Our observatory's safety systems determine whether roof operation is permitted.

Yes. All equipment must be switched off when not in use, with the exception of your control PC.

This is a mandatory safety requirement intended to reduce unnecessary electrical operation and potential equipment risks.

Customers are responsible for ensuring their equipment is properly shut down after imaging sessions.

Yes, your UPS battery backup provides backup power during electrical interruptions. However, customers should still ensure their equipment is configured for safe operation and shutdown in the event of a prolonged power disruption.

The UPS should be provided by the customer

Yes. We understand that remote imaging can be challenging, particularly for customers who are new to operating their equipment from a distance.

We can provide guidance on switching equipment on and off, operating imaging sequence software, downloading images and becoming familiar with remote telescope operation.

Please contact us if you require assistance or introductory training.

Flat-field light panels may only be illuminated during daylight hours or at night when the observatory roof is closed due to unsafe imaging conditions.

Flat panels must never be illuminated during darkness while the observatory roof is open.

Even if your own telescope is not actively imaging, your flat panel can affect other customers’ exposures.

This is a strict rule that applies to every customer.

Please plan your calibration sessions accordingly.

All dark, flat and bias calibration frames must be stacked locally at the observatory.

Only the resulting master calibration frames should be uploaded to your chosen cloud storage service.

To protect shared internet bandwidth, customers must restrict downloading activity to the period beginning at 12:00 midnight (local Spanish time).

This helps reduce network congestion during periods when customers are actively controlling their equipment.

Please avoid unnecessary large data transfers during busy imaging periods.

No. Customers must use only one cloud storage service for uploading light-frame data.

You may choose a service such as Dropbox, pCloud or another suitable cloud provider.

Uploading the same images to multiple services places unnecessary demands on our shared internet connection.

No. Individual dark, flat and bias frames must be processed on-site.

Only the completed master calibration files should be transferred to your cloud storage.

This is a mandatory requirement to help conserve bandwidth for all customers.

Yes. Customers are welcome to use an IP camera or All-Sky camera to monitor their equipment, but it can only be controlled through our bespoke software or the NINA RTSP plugin. Live streaming of the data is not available outside of the network due to our internet fair use policy.

These can be useful for checking telescope positioning and general equipment operation.

However, all cameras must be used responsibly and in accordance with our privacy rules.

Customer cameras must not be used to observe or monitor people working inside the observatories.

Customers and staff may occasionally need to enter the buildings to install equipment, carry out maintenance or resolve technical issues.

Everyone's privacy must be respected.

Cameras are permitted for monitoring equipment, not individuals.