PIRATE (The Open University)

PIRATE is a project of the Open University UK. The Open University (OU) offers online degree programs leading to bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Students with the appropriate background can enroll online in degree programs in all fields — including physics and astronomy.

Note: The Observatori Astronomic de Mallorca (OAM) and the 3.5 m AllSky dome shown here are currently not in operation.
The Open University is therefore using two Baader AllSky domes at a new site on Tenerife; the following information is provided for illustration only.

The AllSky dome, including the entire equipment such as the robotic Paramount ME mount, Celestron 14 optical tube with Baader MirrorLocks (later replaced with a PlaneWave CDK 17 astrograph), and SBIG ST 11000 CCD camera, was supplied and installed by us. The complete system can be remotely controlled via ASCOM compatibility.

Remote-controllable flatfield screens, fisheye web camera inside, weatherproof web camera outside, cloud, humidity, temperature, and rain sensors, dome sensors, UPS uninterrupted power supply with controlled automatic dome closing and orderly camera shutdown in the event of power failure, power distribution unit with integrated web server for remote control of all electrical devices in the dome, from the interior lighting, the motor focusers, and the dew shield heating to the CCD camera with filter wheel and the RemoteGuider on the guide scope, automatically controlled air dryer in the dome for a controlled interior climate when the dome is closed.