0.9m Cautions

Always, ALWAYS watch both ends of the telescope while it is moving . Safety of the telescope and instrument is the responsibility of the observer. Make sure the platform, ladders, etc. are clear of the telescope. Be especially careful when the telescope moves far east or west. The slew motors can be damaged if the fork runs into the platform. The telescope can also hit the dome motors if you go over far enough. (Use common sense, and don't hurry!)

The movable platform is VERY powerful! Make sure nothing (cables, chairs, toes, etc.) is near it when lowering. If you hear a loud noise, stop moving it immediately, until you have located the source. Make sure small animals are not underneath the platform. (A squashed skunk could be very unfortunate--for you AND the skunk.)

If rocks, ice crystals, moisture or other particles of any kind hit the dome, you MUST close immediately, even if you are downwind. Sometimes rocks and other debris come down from near the 107". Watch for this.

If the telescope is at a very large zenith distance it may be possible to hit part of the dome shutter mechanism.

The dome should not be able to move until you have unplugged the cable. But in case of an interlock failure, please be certain that you have unplugged the cable before attempting rotation.

If you leave the building for more than a few minutes, either turn off the telescope tracking or be absolutely certain that the telescope cannot track into something while you are gone.

If you should happen to bump the telescope into something, you must notify David Doss (675), Earl Green (657) or Don Wallace (671).

If in doubt about the weather conditions, please see our weather page at http://weather.as.utexas.edu, the current weather conditions at http://nexus.as.utexas.edu/cgi-bin/obs_sup/latest_5min.cgi, and the weather closure rules.