Night Log 2024-12-17

SA: Rudi
SO: Fred
Others: Austun, Alexei

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Summary
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A full night of observing in relatively stable conditions. Mostly lower priority blocks observed due to the bright moon.

Science data taken for:
2024-2-SCI-025 P1 HRS (Looking for proto hot Jupiters)
2016-2-COM-001 P1 RSS (Polarimetry test proposal)
2024-2-MLT-001 P3 HRS (Spectroscopy of compact heirarchial triples)
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (x2) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2024-2-SCI-028 P3 HRS (Probing the mode of accretion in Herbig Be stars.)
2024-2-SCI-022 P3 HRS (HD60435 Pulsation search)
2023-2-MLT-005 P3 RSS (Monitoring the activity of Be/X-ray binaries in the southern hemisphere)
2023-2-MLT-005 P3 HRS (Monitoring the activity of Be/X-ray binaries in the southern hemisphere)

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Night Log 2024-12-16

SA: Rudi
SO: Fred
Others:

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Summary
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A full night of observing. Mostly lower priority blocks observed due to the bright moon.

Science data taken for:
2024-2-SCI-025 P1 HRS (Looking for proto hot Jupiters)
2024-2-SCI-002 P2 HRS (High resolution spectrocopy of Type II Cepheids)
2024-1-MLT-003 P2 RSS (Observations of supernovae, near and far. @_sublunar_)
2024-2-ORP-005 P2 HRS (Bright white dwarf RVs)
2024-2-SCI-040 P2 RSS (Constraining the initial mass of the progenitor of the neutron star in 2SXPS J075542.5-293353)
2024-1-MLT-010 P3 HRS (Stellar Characterisation of Ariel mission targets: derivation of N and O abundances)
2024-2-SCI-032 P3 HRS (Observation of an accretion outburst system)
2024-2-SCI-034 P3 RSS (Characterizing the orbital parameters and accretion disk of an eclipsing high-mass X-ray binary)
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2023-2-MLT-005 P3 HRS (Monitoring the activity of Be/X-ray binaries in the southern hemisphere)
2024-2-MLT-001 P3 HRS (Spectroscopy of compact heirarchial triples)

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Night Log 2024-12-15

SA: Rudi
SO: Fred
Others:

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Summary
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Thick clouds and high humidity kept us closed all night.

No science data taken.

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Night Log 2024-12-14

SA: Rudi
SO: Fred
Others:

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Summary
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A full night of observing in very stable conditions. Good number of high priority blocks observed.

Science data taken for:
2024-2-SCI-025 P1 HRS (x2) (Looking for proto hot Jupiters)
2016-2-COM-001 P1 RSS (Polarimetry test proposal)
2024-2-MLT-003 P2 RSS (Photometric Reverberation Mapping of Seyfert AGN)
2024-2-SCI-002 P2 HRS (x2) (High resolution spectrocopy of Type II Cepheids)
2024-1-MLT-010 P3 HRS (x3) (Stellar Characterisation of Ariel mission targets: derivation of N and O abundances)
2024-2-SCI-021 P3 RSS (Searching for fast-moving black holes )
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)

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Night Log 2024-12-13

SA: Rudi
SO: Fred
Others:

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Summary
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A full night of observing with no technical downtime. Mostly lower priority targets observed due to some thin clouds, bad seeing and bright moon.

Science data taken for:
2024-2-SCI-025 P1 HRS (Looking for proto hot Jupiters)
2024-2-MLT-006 P1 HRS (HRS observations of a high mass binary system.)
2024-1-MLT-003 P2 RSS (Observations of supernovae, near and far. @_sublunar_)
2024-2-SCI-021 P3 RSS (Searching for fast-moving black holes )
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (x3) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2024-2-MLT-001 P3 HRS (Spectroscopy of compact heirarchial triples)
2024-1-MLT-010 P3 HRS (x2) (Stellar Characterisation of Ariel mission targets: derivation of N and O abundances)
2024-2-SCI-003 P4 HRS (Defining a new chemically peculiar star catalogue)

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Night Log 2024-12-12

SA: Rudi
SO: Fred
Others:

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Summary
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We managed to get two blocks observed before the clouds and humidity forced us to close.

Science data taken for:
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (x2) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)

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Night Log 2024-12-11

SA: Rudi
SO: Shamin
Others: Danièl

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Summary
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A full night of observing with a short interruption due to some clouds. Many high priority blocks observed as well as some polarimetry calibrations.

Science data taken for:
2024-2-SCI-024 P0 RSS (Studying the broad-line region in a quasar using reverberation mapping )
2024-2-SCI-025 P1 HRS (x2) (Looking for proto hot Jupiters)
2016-2-COM-001 P1 RSS (Polarimetry test proposal)
2019-1-MLT-008 P2 HRS (HRS monitoring of yellow symbiotic systems)
2024-2-SCI-004 P2 RSS (Probing the quasar outflows.)
2023-1-SCI-040 P3 HRS (Searching for variable metal lines in polluted white dwarfs)

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Night Log 2024-12-10

SA: Rudi
SO: Austun
Others:

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Summary
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A full night of observing with very little downtime. Many high priority targets observed.

Science data taken for:
2024-2-LSP-001 P0 RSS (Followup of Transients)
2024-2-SCI-010 P1 HRS (SALT/HRS observations of a gamma-ray bright HMXB in the LMC. )
2023-2-MLT-003 P1 RSS (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2024-2-SCI-033 P1 RSS (Constraining the star formation history of the peculiar collisional ring galaxy AM0144-585)
2024-2-SCI-004 P2 RSS (Probing the quasar outflows.)
2024-1-MLT-001 P2 RSS (Study of the outer parts of lenticular galaxies.)
2024-1-MLT-006 P3 HRS (x2) (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)

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Night Log 2024-12-09

SA: Rudi
SO: Austun
Others: Michael, Lisa, Shamin

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Summary
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A full night of observing with very little downtime. A thin layer of cloud the entire night forced us to observe mostly brighter targets.

Science data taken for:
2024-2-SCI-010 P1 HRS (SALT/HRS observations of a gamma-ray bright HMXB in the LMC. )
2023-2-MLT-003 P1 RSS (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2024-2-SCI-025 P1 HRS (x4) (Looking for proto hot Jupiters)
2019-1-MLT-008 P2 HRS (HRS monitoring of yellow symbiotic systems)
2024-1-MLT-006 P3 HRS (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)

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Night Log 2024-12-08

SA: Rudi
SO: Austun
Others: Danièl, E10

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Summary
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A full night with lost of downtime for tech, operations, engineering and weather. We managed to get mostly high priority blocks observed.

Science data taken for:
2023-2-MLT-003 P1 RSS (x2) (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2024-2-SCI-025 P1 HRS (x2) (Looking for proto hot Jupiters)
2016-2-COM-001 P1 RSS (Polarimetry test proposal)
2024-1-MLT-006 P2 HRS (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)
2024-2-SCI-004 P2 RSS (Probing the quasar outflows.)
2024-2-SCI-003 P4 HRS (Defining a new chemically peculiar star catalogue)

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Night Log 2024-12-07

SA: Encarni
SO: Austun
Others:

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Summary
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Another perfect night with stable good seeing and no technical problems. Awesome!


Science data taken for:
2024-2-SCI-033 P1 RSS (Constraining the star formation history of the peculiar collisional ring galaxy AM0144-585)
2023-2-MLT-003 P1 RSS (x2) (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2024-2-SCI-025 P1 HRS (x2) (Looking for proto hot Jupiters)
2024-2-SCI-002 P1 HRS (High resolution spectrocopy of Type II Cepheids)
2023-1-SCI-040 P2 HRS (Searching for variable metal lines in polluted white dwarfs)
2024-2-ORP-005 P2 HRS (Bright white dwarf RVs)
2024-2-SCI-020 P2 RSS (Near-infrared (and one optical) spectra of AGN)
2024-2-MLT-001 P3 HRS (Spectroscopy of compact heirarchial triples)

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Night Log 2024-12-06

SA: Encarni
SO: Austun
Others:

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Summary
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Back at the telescope (albeit remotely) and enjoyed a beautiful clear and productive night with no technical problems! :)



Science data taken for:
2024-2-SCI-005 P1 RSS (x2) (Near-UV and visible spectroscopy of the primitive asteroids)
2024-2-SCI-039 P1 RSS (Studying GRGs to explore their jet dynamics and their influence on the evolution of host galaxies)
2024-2-LSP-001 P1 RSS (Followup of Transients)
2024-2-SCI-025 P1 HRS (Looking for proto hot Jupiters)
2024-2-MLT-006 P1 HRS (HRS observations of a high mass binary system.)
2024-2-SCI-004 P1 RSS (Probing the quasar outflows.)
2024-2-MLT-001 P3 HRS (x2) (Spectroscopy of compact heirarchial triples)
2024-1-MLT-006 P3 HRS (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)

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Night Log 2024-12-05

SA: Danièl
SO: Austun
Others: Nico, ET10 (slitmask), Encarni

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Summary
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Clouds and technical issues made observing difficult tonight.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-MLT-006 P1 HRS (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)
2024-2-SCI-005 P4 RSS (Near-UV and visible spectroscopy of the primitive asteroids)

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Night Log 2024-12-04

SA: Danièl
SO: Austun
Others: Lisa and Malcolm

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Summary
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The clouds caused us to be closed for a large part of the night, however we did managed to complete a few blocks of mixed priorities.

Science data taken for:
2024-2-SCI-025 P1 HRS (Looking for proto hot Jupiters)
2016-2-COM-001 P1 RSS (Polarimetry test proposal)
2023-2-MLT-003 P1 RSS (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)

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Night Log 2024-12-03

SA: Alexei
SO: Fred
Others:

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Summary
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=> Clear and stable dark time night with very good seeing. We observed mainly high priority blocks.

Science data taken for:
2024-2-LSP-001 P0 RSS (Followup of Transients)
2024-2-SCI-005 P1 RSS (x2) (Near-UV and visible spectroscopy of the primitive asteroids)
2024-2-MLT-003 P2 RSS (Photometric Reverberation Mapping of Seyfert AGN)
2024-2-SCI-009 P2 RSS (x2) (Search for new symbiotic stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud.)
2024-1-MLT-001 P3 RSS (x2) (Study of the outer parts of lenticular galaxies.)

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Night Log 2024-12-02

SA: Alexei
SO: Fred
Others:

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Summary
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=> Stable dark time night with rising humidity and moderate and good seeing. We have some technical problems. Only high priority blocks were observed.

Science data taken for:
2024-2-LSP-001 P0 RSS (x2) (Followup of Transients)
2024-2-SCI-025 P1 HRS (Looking for proto hot Jupiters)
2024-2-SCI-020 P1 RSS (Near-infrared (and one optical) spectra of AGN)
2023-2-MLT-003 P2 RSS (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2024-1-MLT-001 P2 RSS (Study of the outer parts of lenticular galaxies.)

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Night Log 2024-12-01

SA: Alexei
SO: Fred
Others:

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Summary
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=> Unstable dark night with mostly thick and sometimes thin clouds. We observed only low priority blocks. Some time was lost due to weather.

Science data taken for:
2024-2-SCI-025 P1 HRS (Looking for proto hot Jupiters)
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (x3) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2024-2-SCI-002 P3 HRS (High resolution spectrocopy of Type II Cepheids)
2024-2-SCI-021 P3 RSS (Searching for fast-moving black holes )

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Night Log 2024-11-30

SA: Alexei
SO: Fred
Others:

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Summary
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=> Stable dark night with moderate and good seeing. Only high priority blocks were observed.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-MLT-006 P1 HRS (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)
2024-2-SCI-033 P1 RSS (Constraining the star formation history of the peculiar collisional ring galaxy AM0144-585)
2024-1-MLT-001 P2 RSS (x2) (Study of the outer parts of lenticular galaxies.)
2024-1-MLT-005 P2 RSS (Study of the metallicity galaxies in voids)
2024-2-SCI-008 P2 RSS (Probing stellar shells in nearby galaxies with SALT)
2024-2-MLT-007 P2 RSS (Rutgers discretionary time.)
2024-2-MLT-006 P2 HRS (HRS observations of a high mass binary system.)

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Night Log 2024-11-29

SA: Alexei
SO: Fred
Others:

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Summary
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=> Stable clear dark night with moderate seeing. Only high priority blocks were observed.

Science data taken for:
2023-2-MLT-003 P1 RSS (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2024-1-MLT-006 P2 HRS (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)
2024-1-MLT-001 P2 RSS (x3) (Study of the outer parts of lenticular galaxies.)
2024-2-SCI-038 P2 RSS (x2) (Probing magnetic field strength of magnetic cataclysmic variables stars )
2024-2-MLT-001 P2 HRS (Spectroscopy of compact heirarchial triples)
2024-2-ORP-005 P2 HRS (Bright white dwarf RVs)
2024-1-MLT-005 P2 RSS (Study of the metallicity galaxies in voids)

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Night Log 2024-11-28

SA: Alexei
SO: Fred
Others: Roberta to study RSS spectroscopy

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Summary
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=> Very stable dark time night with moderate seeing and without any technical problems. Mainly high priority blocks were observed.

Science data taken for:
2024-2-SCI-005 P1 RSS (x4) (Near-UV and visible spectroscopy of the primitive asteroids)
2016-2-COM-001 P1 RSS (Polarimetry test proposal)
2023-2-MLT-003 P1 RSS (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2024-1-MLT-003 P2 RSS (Observations of supernovae, near and far. @_sublunar_)
2024-1-MLT-005 P2 RSS (x2) (Study of the metallicity galaxies in voids)
2024-1-MLT-001 P2 RSS (x2) (Study of the outer parts of lenticular galaxies.)
2024-2-SCI-038 P2 RSS (Probing magnetic field strength of magnetic cataclysmic variables stars )

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Night Log 2024-11-27

SA: Alexei
SO: Fred
Others:

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Summary
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=> Unstable night with rising humidity which closed us in the middle of the night. Only few blocks were observed for that reason.

Science data taken for:
2023-2-MLT-003 P1 RSS (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2019-1-MLT-008 P2 HRS (HRS monitoring of yellow symbiotic systems)
2024-2-MLT-001 P3 HRS (Spectroscopy of compact heirarchial triples)

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Night Log 2024-11-26

SA: Lee
SO: Nomzamo
Others: Lisa, Daniel H, Malcolm, Alexei, Roberta, Fred, Richard, Shan

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Summary
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Night lost to weather.

No science data taken.

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Night Log 2024-11-25

SA: Lee
SO: Nomzamo
Others: E10 (IO module)

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Summary
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Night lost to bad weather.

No science data taken.

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Night Log 2024-11-24

SA: Lee
SO: Nomzamo
Others:

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Summary
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A frustrating night with poor seeing and some technical issues. We were limited to mostly low priority blocks.

Science data taken for:
2024-2-LSP-001 P0 RSS (Followup of Transients)
2023-2-MLT-003 P1 RSS (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (x5) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2024-2-SCI-028 P3 HRS (Probing the mode of accretion in Herbig Be stars.)
2024-2-SCI-034 P3 RSS (Characterizing the orbital parameters and accretion disk of an eclipsing high-mass X-ray binary)

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Night Log 2024-11-23

SA: Lee
SO: Nomzamo
Others: Wimpie

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Summary
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We observed mostly P1 blocks tonight in good seeing conditions. A brief issue with the mirror was the only time lost in an otherwise smooth night.

Science data taken for:
2024-2-LSP-001 P0 RSS (Followup of Transients)
2023-2-MLT-003 P1 RSS (x2) (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2019-1-MLT-008 P1 HRS (x2) (HRS monitoring of yellow symbiotic systems)
2016-2-COM-001 P1 RSS (Polarimetry test proposal)
2024-2-SCI-020 P1 RSS (Near-infrared (and one optical) spectra of AGN)
2024-2-SCI-033 P1 RSS (Constraining the star formation history of the peculiar collisional ring galaxy AM0144-585)
2024-1-MLT-002 P2 RSS (Tracking Accretion Flows via BLR Emission in Changing-Look Active Galactic Nuclei)
2024-1-MLT-006 P2 HRS (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)

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Night Log 2024-11-22

SA: Lee
SO: Nomzamo
Others: E10

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Summary
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We had a smooth night observing many high priority blocks, until the payload rudely cut our night short with a major failure that could not be recovered before twilight. We lost the final 2 hours of the night.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-MLT-003 P0 RSS (Observations of supernovae, near and far. @_sublunar_)
2024-2-SCI-039 P1 RSS (x2) (Studying GRGs to explore their jet dynamics and their influence on the evolution of host galaxies)
2019-1-MLT-008 P1 HRS (HRS monitoring of yellow symbiotic systems)
2024-2-SCI-033 P1 RSS (Constraining the star formation history of the peculiar collisional ring galaxy AM0144-585)
2024-1-MLT-005 P2 RSS (x2) (Study of the metallicity galaxies in voids)
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)

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Night Log 2024-11-21

SA: Lee
SO: Nomzamo
Others:

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Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

We managed to complete 6 blocks before the humidity closed us for the final few hours of the night.

Science data taken for:
2024-2-MLT-007 P0 RSS (Rutgers discretionary time.)
2024-1-MLT-006 P1 HRS (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)
2024-2-SCI-005 P1 RSS (x2) (Near-UV and visible spectroscopy of the primitive asteroids)
2024-2-SCI-033 P1 RSS (Constraining the star formation history of the peculiar collisional ring galaxy AM0144-585)
2024-2-SCI-038 P2 RSS (Probing magnetic field strength of magnetic cataclysmic variables stars )

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Night Log 2024-11-20

SA: Lee
SO: Nomzamo
Others:

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Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

We lost part of the night to thick cloud and then high humidity, but completed some high priority blocks when we were open. Not bad considering the storms earlier in the day and the forecast, which predicted we'd be closed all night.

Science data taken for:
2024-2-LSP-001 P0 RSS (Followup of Transients)
2024-2-SCI-039 P1 RSS (Studying GRGs to explore their jet dynamics and their influence on the evolution of host galaxies)
2024-2-SCI-010 P1 HRS (SALT/HRS observations of a gamma-ray bright HMXB in the LMC. )
2024-1-MLT-006 P2 HRS (x2) (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)
2024-2-SCI-040 P2 RSS (Constraining the initial mass of the progenitor of the neutron star in 2SXPS J075542.5-293353)
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)

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Night Log 2024-11-19

SA: Lee
SO: Austun
Others:

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Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night lost to thick cloud.

No science data taken.

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Night Log 2024-11-18

SA: Lee
SO: Austun
Others: Daniel, Lisa, Ant, Malcolm

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Summary
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A tale of two halves in terms of seeing tonight. The first half was excellent, sub-arcsecond at times. The second half was dreadful, limiting us to P4's. It was otherwise a very smooth night. We observed many blocks including a few higher priority blocks during the good seeing.

Science data taken for:
2016-2-COM-001 P1 RSS (Polarimetry test proposal)
2024-2-SCI-010 P1 HRS (SALT/HRS observations of a gamma-ray bright HMXB in the LMC. )
2024-1-MLT-005 P2 RSS (Study of the metallicity galaxies in voids)
2024-2-SCI-040 P2 RSS (Constraining the initial mass of the progenitor of the neutron star in 2SXPS J075542.5-293353)
2024-2-SCI-021 P3 RSS (x2) (Searching for fast-moving black holes )
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2024-2-SCI-034 P3 RSS (Characterizing the orbital parameters and accretion disk of an eclipsing high-mass X-ray binary)
2024-2-MLT-001 P3 HRS (x2) (Spectroscopy of compact heirarchial triples)
2024-2-SCI-029 P4 RSS (x3) (Artificial intelligence identification of extragalactic sources)
2024-2-SCI-003 P4 HRS (Defining a new chemically peculiar star catalogue)

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Night Log 2024-11-17

SA: Lee
SO: Austun
Others:

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Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

A clear night with good and stable seeing allowed us to complete some high priority blocks, despite a bright moon and a few technical glitches.

Science data taken for:
2024-2-LSP-001 P0 RSS (Followup of Transients)
2024-2-SCI-002 P1 HRS (x3) (High resolution spectrocopy of Type II Cepheids)
2024-2-SCI-006 P1 HRS (Characterizing a stellar-merger remnant, V838 Mon.)
2024-1-MLT-006 P2 HRS (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)
2024-2-MLT-001 P3 HRS (x2) (Spectroscopy of compact heirarchial triples)
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2024-1-MLT-010 P3 HRS (Stellar Characterisation of Ariel mission targets: derivation of N and O abundances)

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Night Log 2024-11-16

SA: Lee
SO: Austun
Others:

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Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Another clear, full moon night with good seeing. We observed many blocks of mixed priority.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-MLT-003 P0 RSS (Observations of supernovae, near and far. @_sublunar_)
2024-2-SCI-006 P1 HRS (Characterizing a stellar-merger remnant, V838 Mon.)
2019-1-MLT-008 P2 HRS (HRS monitoring of yellow symbiotic systems)
2024-2-MLT-001 P3 HRS (x2) (Spectroscopy of compact heirarchial triples)
2023-2-MLT-005 P3 HRS (Monitoring the activity of Be/X-ray binaries in the southern hemisphere)
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (x3) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2024-2-ORP-005 P3 HRS (Bright white dwarf RVs)
2024-1-MLT-010 P3 HRS (Stellar Characterisation of Ariel mission targets: derivation of N and O abundances)
2024-2-SCI-003 P4 HRS (Defining a new chemically peculiar star catalogue)

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Night Log 2024-11-15

SA: Lee
SO: Austun
Others: Thabelo

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Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

We had great weather tonight and average seeing, allowing us to complete a number of blocks of mixed priority.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-MLT-003 P0 RSS (Observations of supernovae, near and far. @_sublunar_)
2024-2-LSP-001 P1 HRS (Followup of Transients)
2024-2-MLT-001 P2 HRS (Spectroscopy of compact heirarchial triples)
2019-1-MLT-008 P2 HRS (x2) (HRS monitoring of yellow symbiotic systems)
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (x3) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2023-2-MLT-005 P3 HRS (x2) (Monitoring the activity of Be/X-ray binaries in the southern hemisphere)
2024-2-SCI-021 P3 RSS (Searching for fast-moving black holes )
2024-2-SCI-001 P4 HRS (Study of the properties of five extreme mass-ratio binaries)

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Night Log 2024-11-14

SA: Lee
SO: Austun
Others: Thabelo

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Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mostly low priority blocks observed again tonight due to variable seeing, bright moon and some cloud in the early morning. We lost a little time to a problem with the guide probes, but otherwise it was a full night of science.

Science data taken for:
2024-2-SCI-006 P1 HRS (Characterizing a stellar-merger remnant, V838 Mon.)
2024-2-LSP-001 P1 RSS (Followup of Transients)
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (x4) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2024-2-SCI-034 P3 RSS (Characterizing the orbital parameters and accretion disk of an eclipsing high-mass X-ray binary)
2023-2-MLT-005 P3 RSS (Monitoring the activity of Be/X-ray binaries in the southern hemisphere)
2024-2-SCI-011 P3 HRS (Observing hot and cool H-deficient stars to demonstrate evolution links.)

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Night Log 2024-11-13

SA: Lee
SO: Austun
Others:

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Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

A smooth start to our week. We observed mostly lower priority blocks due to variable seeing conditions and a bright moon, before closing to high humidity just before 1am.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-MLT-003 P0 RSS (Observations of supernovae, near and far. @_sublunar_)
2024-2-SCI-025 P1 HRS (Looking for proto hot Jupiters)
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (x3) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2024-2-SCI-003 P4 HRS (x2) (Defining a new chemically peculiar star catalogue)

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Night Log 2024-11-12

SA: Moses
SO: Nomzamo
Others: Thabelo, Lee, Austun

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Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

We had a productive night with clear skies and many blocks observed despite the poor seeing.

Science data taken for:
2024-2-SCI-011 P1 RSS (Observing hot and cool H-deficient stars to demonstrate evolution links.)
2024-2-ORP-005 P2 HRS (Bright white dwarf RVs)
2024-2-SCI-034 P3 RSS (Characterizing the orbital parameters and accretion disk of an eclipsing high-mass X-ray binary)
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (x2) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2024-1-MLT-010 P3 HRS (Stellar Characterisation of Ariel mission targets: derivation of N and O abundances)
2024-2-MLT-005 P4 RSS (Spectroscopic monitoring of two unique red supergiants in the LMC)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-11-11

SA: Moses
SO: Nomzamo
Others: Wimpie, Lisa, Lizette & SALT Board members,

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

We managed to observe a wide range of targets during the night despite the changeable seeing conditions.

Science data taken for:
2023-2-MLT-003 P1 RSS (x3) (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2024-2-SCI-025 P1 HRS (Looking for proto hot Jupiters)
2024-2-SCI-011 P1 RSS (Observing hot and cool H-deficient stars to demonstrate evolution links.)
2024-2-MLT-006 P2 HRS (HRS observations of a high mass binary system.)
2024-2-MLT-003 P2 RSS (Photometric Reverberation Mapping of Seyfert AGN)
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2024-2-SCI-029 P4 RSS (Artificial intelligence identification of extragalactic sources)
2024-2-SCI-003 P4 HRS (Defining a new chemically peculiar star catalogue)
2023-2-MLT-005 P4 RSS (Monitoring the activity of Be/X-ray binaries in the southern hemisphere)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-11-10

SA: Moses
SO: Nomzamo
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

We were able to observe a few low to high priority blocks despite the changeable cloud cover, until the humidity caused us to close halfway through the night.

Science data taken for:
2023-2-MLT-003 P1 RSS (x2) (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2024-2-MLT-003 P2 RSS (Photometric Reverberation Mapping of Seyfert AGN)
2024-1-MLT-006 P2 HRS (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2024-2-SCI-003 P4 HRS (x2) (Defining a new chemically peculiar star catalogue)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-11-08

SA: Moses
SO: Nomzamo
Others: Eben

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

We lost most of the night due to bad weather, but we managed to observe a P0 right at the end of the night (in non-optimal conditions) before some technical issues put an end to the observing.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-MLT-006 P0 HRS (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-11-06

SA: Moses
SO: Nomzamo
Others: Wimpie, Lisa, Veronica

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

We had a tough night with technical problems and bad seeing, but we managed to observe a few blocks towards the end of the night.

Science data taken for:
2024-2-SCI-003 P4 HRS (x2) (Defining a new chemically peculiar star catalogue)
2024-2-SCI-029 P4 RSS (x2) (Artificial intelligence identification of extragalactic sources)
2024-2-MLT-005 P4 RSS (Spectroscopic monitoring of two unique red supergiants in the LMC)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-11-09

SA: Moses
SO: Nomzamo
Others: Thabelo, Wimpie, Sunnyboy, Jean

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

There was poor seeing and some technical problems tonight but we managed to observe a few science blocks before the humidity & cloud caused us to close up early.

Science data taken for:
2023-2-MLT-003 P1 RSS (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (x2) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2024-2-SCI-003 P4 HRS (Defining a new chemically peculiar star catalogue)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-11-07

SA: Moses
SO: Nomzamo
Others: Shamin, Lisa, Wimipie, Thabelo, Jonathan, Eben, Nico

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

There was some varying cloud cover but the seeing got better as the night progressed and we were able to observe some high priority blocks.

Science data taken for:
2024-2-LSP-001 P0 SCAM (Followup of Transients)
2024-2-LSP-001 P1 RSS (Followup of Transients)
2023-2-MLT-003 P1 RSS (x2) (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2016-2-COM-001 P1 RSS (Polarimetry test proposal)
2024-1-MLT-006 P1 HRS (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2024-2-SCI-037 P4 HRS (Determination of temperatures and surface gravities of massive stars)
2024-2-SCI-029 P4 RSS (Artificial intelligence identification of extragalactic sources)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-11-05

SA: Danièl
SO: Veronica
Others: Moses and Nomzamo (Handover), Wimpie

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

We managed to complete 1 block before high humidity closed us for the rest of the night.

Science data taken for:
2024-2-SCI-003 P4 HRS (Defining a new chemically peculiar star catalogue)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-11-04

SA: Danièl
SO: Veronica
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lost the whole night to bad weather.

No science data taken.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-11-03

SA: Danièl
SO: Veronica
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

We mananged to some a few blocks despite thick clouds closing us twice. In the end high humidity closed us again.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-MLT-006 P0 HRS (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)
2024-2-SCI-033 P1 RSS (Constraining the star formation history of the peculiar collisional ring galaxy AM0144-585)
2024-2-LSP-001 P1 RSS (Followup of Transients)
2023-2-MLT-003 P1 RSS (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2024-2-SCI-038 P2 RSS (Probing magnetic field strength of magnetic cataclysmic variables stars )

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-11-02

SA: Danièl
SO: Veronica
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lost the entire night to bad weather.

No science data taken.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-11-01

SA: Danièl
SO: Veronica
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lost the whole night to bad weather.

No science data taken.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-31

SA: Danièl
SO: Veronica
Others: Sibo, E10 (RSS grating)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

We had another full night of observing. Unfortunately the grating became problematic, causing RSS to go offline for the remainder of the night.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-SCI-002 P2 RSS (Deep spectroscopy of faint, stellar shells in nearby in NGC 2865 & PGC 6240)
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (x2) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2024-1-MLT-006 P3 HRS (x4) (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)
2023-1-SCI-040 P3 HRS (Searching for variable metal lines in polluted white dwarfs)
2023-2-MLT-005 P3 HRS (Monitoring the activity of Be/X-ray binaries in the southern hemisphere)
2019-1-MLT-008 P4 HRS (HRS monitoring of yellow symbiotic systems)
2024-1-SCI-004 P4 HRS (x4) (Defining a new chemically peculiar star catalogueBuilding a new )

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-30

SA: Danièl
SO: Veronica
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

We had a full night of observing, completing a number of blocks with mixed priorities, including a P0.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-SCI-042 P0 RSS (SALT Spectra of Transients)
2024-1-MLT-009 P1 RSS (Optical Spectroscopy of nearby Galaxies)
2024-1-SCI-038 P1 HRS (Age-dating UMa and determining new moving group members)
2019-1-COM-001 P1 SCAM (Burst-mirror throughput test )
2023-2-MLT-003 P2 RSS (x3) (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2024-1-SCI-031 P2 RSS (x2) (BCG evlolution in ACT clusters at intermediate/high redshifts)
2024-1-SCI-002 P2 RSS (Deep spectroscopy of faint, stellar shells in nearby in NGC 2865 & PGC 6240)
2024-1-SCI-011 P3 RSS (Probing magnetic field strength of magnetic cataclysmic variables stars )

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-29

SA: Rudi
SO: Austun
Others: Ros

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

We managed only two blocks before the humidity force us to close.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-SCI-031 P2 RSS (BCG evlolution in ACT clusters at intermediate/high redshifts)
2024-1-SCI-011 P3 RSS (Probing magnetic field strength of magnetic cataclysmic variables stars )

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-28

SA: Rudi
SO: Austun
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

High humidity, clouds and rain kept us closed all night.

No science data taken.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-27

SA: Rudi
SO: Austun
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The weather prevented us from opening up tonight.

No science data taken.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-26

SA: Rudi
SO: Austun
Others: Sam and E10 (RSS grating)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

We managed to get a few blocks observed before the humidity, strong winds and clouds forced us to close. Mostly lower priority blocks observed due to the variable weather conditions.

Science data taken for:
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (x3) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2024-1-SCI-019 P3 HRS (Asteroseismology of an eclipsing tidally tilted pulsator )
2024-1-MLT-006 P3 HRS (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)
2023-2-MLT-005 P4 RSS (Monitoring the activity of Be/X-ray binaries in the southern hemisphere)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-25

SA: Rudi
SO: Austun
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Another full night of observing with some engineering tests in the middle of the night and a small amount of tech downtime. Mostly high priority blocks observed.

Science data taken for:
2023-2-MLT-003 P1 RSS (x3) (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2019-1-COM-001 P1 SCAM (Burst-mirror throughput test )
2019-1-MLT-008 P1 HRS (x2) (HRS monitoring of yellow symbiotic systems)
2024-1-MLT-003 P2 RSS (Observations of supernovae, near and far. @_sublunar_)
2024-1-SCI-038 P2 HRS (Age-dating UMa and determining new moving group members)
2024-2-SCI-038 P2 RSS (Probing magnetic field strength of magnetic cataclysmic variables stars )
2024-1-SCI-031 P2 RSS (BCG evlolution in ACT clusters at intermediate/high redshifts)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-24

SA: Rudi
SO: Austun
Others: E10

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

A full night of observing in good and stable conditions. Many high priority blocks observed. It was good having RSS back online.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-SCI-025 P1 RSS (Probing the large scale gas flows in galaxies)
2023-2-MLT-003 P1 RSS (x5) (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2024-1-SCI-023 P1 RSS (Measuring the redshift of the objects in two strong gravitational lensing systems)
2024-1-SCI-031 P2 RSS (BCG evlolution in ACT clusters at intermediate/high redshifts)
2019-1-MLT-008 P2 HRS (x2) (HRS monitoring of yellow symbiotic systems)
2024-1-SCI-002 P2 RSS (Deep spectroscopy of faint, stellar shells in nearby in NGC 2865 & PGC 6240)
2023-1-MLT-007 P2 RSS (SALT+Gaia survey of helium-rich hot subdwarfs)
2023-1-SCI-040 P3 HRS (Searching for variable metal lines in polluted white dwarfs)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-23

SA: Rudi
SO: Austun
Others: Thabelo, Etienne

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The first half of the night was spent doing a mirror alignment that was very troublesome. We managed to get some high priority blocks during the second half of the night in stable conditions.

Science data taken for:
2019-1-MLT-008 P1 HRS (HRS monitoring of yellow symbiotic systems)
2024-2-SCI-025 P1 HRS (Looking for proto hot Jupiters)
2024-1-MLT-006 P2 HRS (x4) (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)
2024-2-SCI-011 P3 HRS (Observing hot and cool H-deficient stars to demonstrate evolution links.)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-22

SA: Alexei
SO: Nomzamo
Others: Rudi and Austun for the handover, Thabelo for help

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

=> Some blocks were observed before we were closed by humidity and clouds.

Science data taken for:
2019-1-MLT-008 P1 HRS (x2) (HRS monitoring of yellow symbiotic systems)
2024-2-SCI-023 P2 HRS (Observations of ssrAp stars)
2023-1-SCI-040 P2 HRS (Searching for variable metal lines in polluted white dwarfs)
2024-1-MLT-006 P3 HRS (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-21

SA: Alexei
SO: Nomzamo
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

=> Lost the whole night due to bad weather

No science data taken.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-20

SA: Alexei
SO: Nomzamo
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

=> Just one block was observed before we were closed by bad weather.

Science data taken for:
2023-1-MLT-007 P3 RSS (SALT+Gaia survey of helium-rich hot subdwarfs)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-19

SA: Alexei
SO: Nomzamo
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

=> Only few blocks were observed before we were closed by humidity

Science data taken for:
2019-1-MLT-008 P2 HRS (HRS monitoring of yellow symbiotic systems)
2024-1-MLT-001 P3 RSS (Study of the outer parts of lenticular galaxies.)
2024-1-MLT-003 P3 RSS (Observations of supernovae, near and far. @_sublunar_)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-18

SA: Alexei
SO: Nomzamo
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

=> Another night with full Moon and rising humidity. Finally, were closed by humidity about midnight. Many blocks were observed during first half of the night.

Science data taken for:
2024-2-SCI-011 P1 RSS (Observing hot and cool H-deficient stars to demonstrate evolution links.)
2019-1-MLT-008 P2 HRS (x2) (HRS monitoring of yellow symbiotic systems)
2024-1-MLT-003 P2 RSS (x2) (Observations of supernovae, near and far. @_sublunar_)
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (x2) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2024-1-SCI-019 P3 HRS (Asteroseismology of an eclipsing tidally tilted pulsator )
2024-2-MLT-001 P3 HRS (Spectroscopy of compact heirarchial triples)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-17

SA: Alexei
SO: Nomzamo
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

=> Observations during first half of the night. Finally, were closed by high humidity. Only few blocks were observed.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-MLT-003 P2 RSS (x2) (Observations of supernovae, near and far. @_sublunar_)
2024-2-MLT-001 P3 HRS (Spectroscopy of compact heirarchial triples)
2023-2-LSP-001 P4 RSS (x3) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-16

SA: Alexei
SO: Nomzamo
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

=> Full Moon unstable night with heavy clouds and rain at the beginning of the night. Finally we observed some amount of low priority blocks.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-SCI-019 P3 HRS (Asteroseismology of an eclipsing tidally tilted pulsator )
2023-1-MLT-007 P3 RSS (x2) (SALT+Gaia survey of helium-rich hot subdwarfs)
2018-2-MLT-005 P3 RSS (Probing the winds from massive binary star supernova progenitors)
2024-1-MLT-010 P3 HRS (Stellar Characterisation of Ariel mission targets: derivation of N and O abundances)
2023-2-MLT-005 P3 HRS (Monitoring the activity of Be/X-ray binaries in the southern hemisphere)
2024-1-SCI-007 P4 HRS (observing Ap stars)
2023-2-MLT-005 P4 RSS (x2) (Monitoring the activity of Be/X-ray binaries in the southern hemisphere)
2024-1-SCI-004 P4 HRS (Defining a new chemically peculiar star catalogueBuilding a new )

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-15

SA: Moses
SO: Veronica
Others: Nomzamo, Alexei, Waanie

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

We had a mixed night, conditions were clear but the seeing was not good for part of the night, but we managed to observe a few high and low priority targets and some engineering tests.

Science data taken for:
2022-1-COM-003 P0 HRS (Some targets for NIR first LIght)
2024-1-SCI-028 P1 NIR (x2) (Near-infrared spectra of Halpha in redshifted AGN)
2019-1-COM-001 P1 SCAM (Burst-mirror throughput test )
2024-1-MLT-003 P2 RSS (Observations of supernovae, near and far. @_sublunar_)
2018-2-MLT-005 P3 RSS (Probing the winds from massive binary star supernova progenitors)
2023-2-MLT-005 P3 HRS (Monitoring the activity of Be/X-ray binaries in the southern hemisphere)
2024-1-SCI-004 P4 HRS (x2) (Defining a new chemically peculiar star catalogueBuilding a new )

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-14

SA: Moses
SO: Veronica
Others: Eben

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

We struggled against high winds and high humidity and only managed to observe a few blocks at the start of the night.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-MLT-003 P3 RSS (Observations of supernovae, near and far. @_sublunar_)
2023-1-MLT-007 P3 RSS (SALT+Gaia survey of helium-rich hot subdwarfs)
2023-2-LSP-001 P4 RSS (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-13

SA: Moses
SO: Veronica
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lost the whole night due to bad weather.

No science data taken.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-12

SA: Moses
SO: Veronica
Others: Eben

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

We had a clear, very dry night with good seeing; and we managed to observe many high priority blocks.

Science data taken for:
2023-1-COM-002 P1 RSS (Observing the Moon for polarimetry calibrations)
2024-1-SCI-028 P1 NIR (Near-infrared spectra of Halpha in redshifted AGN)
2024-1-MLT-009 P1 RSS (x2) (Optical Spectroscopy of nearby Galaxies)
2024-1-SCI-042 P2 RSS (x2) (SALT Spectra of Transients)
2024-1-LSP-001 P2 NIR (x4) (Study of star formation quenching in post-starburst galaxies)
2024-1-MLT-006 P3 HRS (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)
2024-1-SCI-024 P4 RSS (Monitoring a special sample of quasars showing large continuum variations in their spectra.)
2024-1-SCI-004 P4 HRS (Defining a new chemically peculiar star catalogueBuilding a new )

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-11

SA: Moses
SO: Veronica
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Good seeing and clear skies and we had smooth night where we observed many high priority blocks.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-MLT-009 P1 RSS (Optical Spectroscopy of nearby Galaxies)
2024-1-SCI-034 P1 NIR (NIRWALS Observations of LIRGs and Starbursts)
2024-1-SCI-028 P1 NIR (Near-infrared spectra of Halpha in redshifted AGN)
2024-1-SCI-021 P1 HRS (Spectroscopy of HD68695S)
2024-1-LSP-001 P1 NIR (Study of star formation quenching in post-starburst galaxies)
2019-1-MLT-008 P1 HRS (HRS monitoring of yellow symbiotic systems)
2023-2-MLT-002 P1 RSS (Constraining galaxy cluster merger geometries and timescales)
2024-1-MLT-003 P2 RSS (Observations of supernovae, near and far. @_sublunar_)
2023-2-MLT-003 P2 RSS (x2) (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-10

SA: Moses
SO: Veronica
Others: Egan & John

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

We struggled with thick cloud for most of the night, and bad seeing in the middle of it, so we only managed to observe a few low priority blocks.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-SCI-027 P4 RSS (Artifical intelligence identification of extragalactic sources)
2023-2-LSP-001 P4 RSS (x2) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2024-1-SCI-004 P4 HRS (x2) (Defining a new chemically peculiar star catalogueBuilding a new )

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-09

SA: Moses
SO: Veronica
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was mostly a clear night with good seeing and we managed to observe many high priority blocks.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-LSP-001 P1 NIR (x4) (Study of star formation quenching in post-starburst galaxies)
2024-1-SCI-038 P1 HRS (Age-dating UMa and determining new moving group members)
2023-2-MLT-003 P1 RSS (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2024-1-SCI-028 P1 NIR (Near-infrared spectra of Halpha in redshifted AGN)
2023-2-MLT-002 P1 RSS (Constraining galaxy cluster merger geometries and timescales)
2024-1-SCI-033 P3 HRS (detached eclipsing binaries for PLATO mission)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-08

SA: Lee
SO: Fred
Others: Nomzamo, Moses, Thabelo, Michael, Sam, Waani, Paul B, Lisa, Encarni, Sabyasachi, Antoine

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The night was book-ended by thick cloud, but we had some nice clear sky and good seeing when we were open. We managed 5 science blocks and some more slitmask IFU tests.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-COM-002 P0 RSS (This is a commissioning proposal)
2023-2-MLT-003 P1 RSS (x2) (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2024-1-SCI-036 P1 RSS (Studying a Variety of ACT sources with SALT)
2024-1-SCI-042 P2 RSS (SALT Spectra of Transients)
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-07

SA: Lee
SO: Fred
Others: Nomzamo, Wimpie, Sabyasachi, Antoine, Thabelo

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

We were limited to mid-to-low priority blocks tonight due to largely poor and variable seeing. High humidity eventually closed us for a few hours, during which we did some engineering tests. A few gremlins in the system only ended up costing us a small amount of technical downtime.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-COM-002 P0 RSS (x2) (This is a commissioning proposal)
2024-1-SCI-042 P2 RSS (SALT Spectra of Transients)
2024-1-MLT-006 P2 HRS (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)
2024-1-MLT-003 P2 RSS (x2) (Observations of supernovae, near and far. @_sublunar_)
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (x2) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2024-1-MLT-010 P4 HRS (Stellar Characterisation of Ariel mission targets: derivation of N and O abundances)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-06

SA: Lee
SO: Fred
Others: Nomzamo

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

We lost most of the night to thick cloud. We squeezed in a few blocks in a brief gap.

Science data taken for:
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2024-1-SCI-019 P3 HRS (Asteroseismology of an eclipsing tidally tilted pulsator )
2023-1-SCI-040 P4 HRS (Searching for variable metal lines in polluted white dwarfs)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-05

SA: Lee
SO: Fred
Others: Nomzamo

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

A blanket of cirrus was with us the entire night, but this was made up for by excellent seeing. We observed two P0's and a DDT in its last visibility window of the semester, as well as other high priority blocks. The cloud thickened in the early hours, forcing us to observe lower priority targets.

Science data taken for:
2021-2-LSP-001 P0 RSS (Followup of Transients)
2024-1-COM-002 P0 RSS (This is a commissioning proposal)
2024-1-MLT-004 P0 RSS (Observations of white dwarf supernovae to be observed also with JWST.)
2024-1-DDT-001 P1 HRS (Abundances of Type II Cepheid variable stars)
2024-1-SCI-003 P2 RSS (Longslit RSS study of faint, gas-rich dwarf galaxies)
2024-1-SCI-002 P2 RSS (Deep spectroscopy of faint, stellar shells in nearby in NGC 2865 & PGC 6240)
2024-1-SCI-033 P3 HRS (detached eclipsing binaries for PLATO mission)
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2024-1-MLT-005 P3 RSS (Study of the metallicity galaxies in voids)
2023-2-MLT-005 P3 HRS (x2) (Monitoring the activity of Be/X-ray binaries in the southern hemisphere)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-04

SA: Lee
SO: Fred
Others: Nomzamo, Thabelo, Sam, Michael, Eben

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

We had excellent and stable seeing for the entire night, allowing us to complete some high priority dark time blocks. We lost some time to a few technical issues and also spent time on some more SMI testing.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-COM-002 P0 RSS (This is a commissioning proposal)
2024-1-SCI-031 P2 RSS (x2) (BCG evlolution in ACT clusters at intermediate/high redshifts)
2024-1-SCI-003 P2 RSS (x2) (Longslit RSS study of faint, gas-rich dwarf galaxies)
2023-1-MLT-007 P3 RSS (SALT+Gaia survey of helium-rich hot subdwarfs)
2021-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (Followup of Transients)
2023-2-MLT-005 P3 HRS (Monitoring the activity of Be/X-ray binaries in the southern hemisphere)
2024-1-SCI-009 P3 RSS (Spectroscopic follow up of candidate self-lensing events)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-03

SA: Lee
SO: Fred
Others: Nomzamo, Sabyasachi, Antoine

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

A much better night than last night weather wise. We had some thin cloud which mostly dispersed during the night and good seeing conditions, which became very stable after midnight. We observed high priority blocks and spent a significant fraction of the night on slitmask IFU testing.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-COM-002 P0 RSS (x2) (This is a commissioning proposal)
2024-1-SCI-009 P1 RSS (Spectroscopic follow up of candidate self-lensing events)
2024-1-SCI-003 P2 RSS (Longslit RSS study of faint, gas-rich dwarf galaxies)
2024-1-SCI-031 P2 RSS (BCG evlolution in ACT clusters at intermediate/high redshifts)
2024-1-SCI-002 P2 RSS (Deep spectroscopy of faint, stellar shells in nearby in NGC 2865 & PGC 6240)
2024-1-MLT-003 P2 RSS (Observations of supernovae, near and far. @_sublunar_)
2024-1-MLT-005 P2 RSS (Study of the metallicity galaxies in voids)
2023-2-MLT-005 P3 HRS (Monitoring the activity of Be/X-ray binaries in the southern hemisphere)
2024-1-SCI-004 P4 HRS (Defining a new chemically peculiar star catalogueBuilding a new )

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-02

SA: Lee
SO: Fred
Others: Nomzamo, Moses, Malcolm, Sabyasachi, Antoine, Thabelo, Michael, Sam

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tonight was dominated by very poor seeing and thin cloud, limiting us to low priority blocks. We had some technical issues at the start of the night, but otherwise fairly productive. We also did some testing of the RSS slitmask IFU.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-COM-002 P0 RSS (This is a commissioning proposal)
2024-1-MLT-006 P3 HRS (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)
2021-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (Followup of Transients)
2024-1-SCI-027 P4 RSS (x3) (Artifical intelligence identification of extragalactic sources)
2023-2-LSP-001 P4 RSS (x4) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2023-2-MLT-005 P4 RSS (x2) (Monitoring the activity of Be/X-ray binaries in the southern hemisphere)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-10-01

SA: Rudi
SO: Austun
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

A full night of observing with very little tech downtime. We managed to observe a few high priority blocks in variable seeing conditions throughout the night.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-MLT-003 P0 RSS (x2) (Observations of supernovae, near and far. @_sublunar_)
2021-2-LSP-001 P0 RSS (Followup of Transients)
2016-2-COM-001 P1 RSS (Polarimetry test proposal)
2024-1-SCI-038 P1 HRS (Age-dating UMa and determining new moving group members)
2024-1-MLT-006 P2 HRS (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)
2024-1-SCI-002 P2 RSS (x2) (Deep spectroscopy of faint, stellar shells in nearby in NGC 2865 & PGC 6240)
2024-1-SCI-011 P3 RSS (Probing magnetic field strength of magnetic cataclysmic variables stars )
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (x2) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2024-1-SCI-013 P3 RSS (Probing the quasar outflows.)
2023-2-MLT-005 P4 RSS (Monitoring the activity of Be/X-ray binaries in the southern hemisphere)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-30

SA: Rudi
SO: Austun
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Another night where the weather prevented us from opening up the telescope.

No science data taken.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-29

SA: Rudi
SO: Austun
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Another night where the clouds and snow kept us closed all night.

No science data taken.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-28

SA: Rudi
SO: Austun
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Clouds, high humidity, strong winds and rain kept us closed all night.

No science data taken.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-27

SA: Rudi
SO: Austun
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Clouds and high wind speeds kept us closed all night.

No science data taken.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-26

SA: Rudi
SO: Austun
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

A full night in the end (despite the weather predictions) with relatively stable conditions. Mostly P2 and P3 targets observed.

Science data taken for:
2023-2-MLT-003 P2 RSS (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2024-1-SCI-031 P2 RSS (BCG evlolution in ACT clusters at intermediate/high redshifts)
2024-1-SCI-038 P2 HRS (Age-dating UMa and determining new moving group members)
2024-1-SCI-002 P2 RSS (Deep spectroscopy of faint, stellar shells in nearby in NGC 2865 & PGC 6240)
2024-1-ORP-001 P3 RSS (x2) (Double white dwarf candidates)
2024-1-SCI-033 P3 HRS (x3) (detached eclipsing binaries for PLATO mission)
2024-1-SCI-009 P3 RSS (x2) (Spectroscopic follow up of candidate self-lensing events)
2024-1-SCI-011 P3 RSS (Probing magnetic field strength of magnetic cataclysmic variables stars )
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (x2) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-25

SA: Rudi
SO: Austun
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

We managed to get one block observed before the clouds and high humidity forced us to close.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-ORP-001 P3 RSS (Double white dwarf candidates)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-24

SA: Danièl
SO: Fred
Others: Rudi and Austun (handover), Grade 6 pupils & Thembela, Cedric, Nico and Wimpie (chiller)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

A full night of observations where we completed 14 blocks of various priorities, including.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-MLT-003 P0 RSS (Observations of supernovae, near and far. @_sublunar_)
2023-2-MLT-003 P1 RSS (x4) (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2024-1-SCI-003 P2 RSS (Longslit RSS study of faint, gas-rich dwarf galaxies)
2024-1-SCI-002 P2 RSS (Deep spectroscopy of faint, stellar shells in nearby in NGC 2865 & PGC 6240)
2023-1-MLT-007 P2 RSS (SALT+Gaia survey of helium-rich hot subdwarfs)
2024-1-SCI-031 P3 RSS (x2) (BCG evlolution in ACT clusters at intermediate/high redshifts)
2023-2-MLT-005 P3 RSS (Monitoring the activity of Be/X-ray binaries in the southern hemisphere)
2024-1-MLT-001 P3 RSS (Study of the outer parts of lenticular galaxies.)
2024-1-MLT-006 P3 HRS (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)
2024-1-SCI-004 P4 HRS (Defining a new chemically peculiar star catalogueBuilding a new )

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-23

SA: Danièl
SO: Fred
Others: Nomzamo, Thabelo, Wimpie & Nico (chiller)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lost the whole night to bad weather

No science data taken.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-22

SA: Danièl
SO: Fred
Others: Nomzamo, Thabelo, Nico (timDimm), Wimpie (tracker)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

We had a full night of observing, despite some technical issues sprinkled throughout.

Science data taken for:
2021-2-LSP-001 P0 RSS (Followup of Transients)
2023-2-MLT-003 P2 RSS (x4) (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2024-1-MLT-006 P2 HRS (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)
2019-1-MLT-008 P2 HRS (x2) (HRS monitoring of yellow symbiotic systems)
2023-2-LSP-001 P4 RSS (x4) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2024-1-SCI-004 P4 HRS (Defining a new chemically peculiar star catalogueBuilding a new )

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-21

SA: Danièl
SO: Fred
Others: Nomzamo, Wimpie (HRS, later for the tracker), Nico (tracker)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

We managed to observe two blocks before a major tracker issue and then humidity closed us for the rest of the night.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-MLT-003 P0 RSS (Observations of supernovae, near and far. @_sublunar_)
2023-2-MLT-005 P3 HRS (Monitoring the activity of Be/X-ray binaries in the southern hemisphere)
2023-2-LSP-001 P4 RSS (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-20

SA: Danièl
SO: Fred
Others: Thabelo

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lost the whole night to bad weather.

No science data taken.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-19

SA: Danièl
SO: Fred
Others: Thabelo

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lost the whole night to bad weather.

No science data taken.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-18

SA: Danièl
SO: Fred
Others: Nomzamo

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

We lost the whole night to bad weather

No science data taken.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-17

SA: Alexei
SO: Veronica
Others: Daniel, Fred and Nomzamo for handover

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

=> Unstable bright night with field of clouds passing over the sky from time to time. Mostly low priority blocks were observed.

Science data taken for:
2021-2-LSP-001 P0 RSS (Followup of Transients)
2023-2-MLT-001 P2 HRS (Study of hot SB2 systems)
2024-1-MLT-006 P3 HRS (x3) (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)
2024-1-SCI-008 P3 HRS (beta Pic pulsation observation)
2023-2-LSP-001 P4 RSS (x2) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2019-1-MLT-008 P4 HRS (HRS monitoring of yellow symbiotic systems)
2024-1-SCI-004 P4 HRS (Defining a new chemically peculiar star catalogueBuilding a new )
2024-1-MLT-010 P4 HRS (x2) (Stellar Characterisation of Ariel mission targets: derivation of N and O abundances)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-16

SA: Alexei
SO: Veronica
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

=> Unstable night with bright moon and rising humidity. Mostly low priority blocks were observed.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-MLT-003 P2 RSS (Observations of supernovae, near and far. @_sublunar_)
2024-1-SCI-030 P3 RSS (Metallicity gradient of SN Ia host galaxy NGC 524.)
2024-1-SCI-008 P3 HRS (beta Pic pulsation observation)
2024-1-SCI-004 P4 HRS (x2) (Defining a new chemically peculiar star catalogueBuilding a new )
2023-2-LSP-001 P4 RSS (x3) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2019-1-MLT-008 P4 HRS (x2) (HRS monitoring of yellow symbiotic systems)
2024-1-MLT-010 P4 HRS (x2) (Stellar Characterisation of Ariel mission targets: derivation of N and O abundances)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-15

SA: Alexei
SO: Veronica
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

=> Unstable bright night with rising humidity and variable seeing. Were closed by humidity finally. Mostly low priority blocks were observed during this night.

Science data taken for:
2021-2-LSP-001 P0 RSS (x2) (Followup of Transients)
2019-1-MLT-008 P4 HRS (x2) (HRS monitoring of yellow symbiotic systems)
2023-1-SCI-040 P4 HRS (Searching for variable metal lines in polluted white dwarfs)
2023-2-LSP-001 P4 RSS (x4) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2024-1-MLT-010 P4 HRS (Stellar Characterisation of Ariel mission targets: derivation of N and O abundances)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-14

SA: Alexei
SO: Veronica
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

=> Unstable bright night with rising humidity, unstable seeing and some cirrus over the sky. Were closed by humidity finally. Only low priority blocks were observed.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-MLT-003 P0 RSS (Observations of supernovae, near and far. @_sublunar_)
2024-1-SCI-033 P3 HRS (x2) (detached eclipsing binaries for PLATO mission)
2024-1-MLT-006 P3 HRS (x3) (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)
2023-2-MLT-005 P3 HRS (Monitoring the activity of Be/X-ray binaries in the southern hemisphere)
2023-2-LSP-001 P4 RSS (x6) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2024-1-SCI-004 P4 HRS (Defining a new chemically peculiar star catalogueBuilding a new )
2023-1-SCI-040 P4 HRS (Searching for variable metal lines in polluted white dwarfs)
2019-1-MLT-008 P4 HRS (HRS monitoring of yellow symbiotic systems)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-13

SA: Alexei
SO: Veronica
Others: Malcolm, Shamiel and Anthony by zoom at the evening to debug software

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

=> Unstable grey night with some thin clouds and variable seeing. Many low priority blocks were observed for this reason.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-SCI-033 P2 HRS (detached eclipsing binaries for PLATO mission)
2023-1-SCI-040 P3 HRS (Searching for variable metal lines in polluted white dwarfs)
2024-1-SCI-024 P3 RSS (Monitoring a special sample of quasars showing large continuum variations in their spectra.)
2024-1-MLT-006 P3 HRS (x2) (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)
2024-1-SCI-013 P3 RSS (Probing the quasar outflows.)
2019-1-MLT-008 P4 HRS (x2) (HRS monitoring of yellow symbiotic systems)
2023-2-LSP-001 P4 RSS (x9) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2024-1-MLT-010 P4 HRS (Stellar Characterisation of Ariel mission targets: derivation of N and O abundances)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-12

SA: Alexei
SO: Veronica
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

=> Stable enough grey night with moderate to good seeing. Some cirrus over the sky. Many blocks were observed, but most of them are low priority.

Science data taken for:
2023-2-MLT-003 P2 RSS (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2024-1-SCI-030 P2 RSS (x2) (Metallicity gradient of SN Ia host galaxy NGC 524.)
2024-1-SCI-002 P2 RSS (Deep spectroscopy of faint, stellar shells in nearby in NGC 2865 & PGC 6240)
2024-1-SCI-024 P3 RSS (x2) (Monitoring a special sample of quasars showing large continuum variations in their spectra.)
2023-1-SCI-040 P3 HRS (Searching for variable metal lines in polluted white dwarfs)
2023-2-LSP-001 P4 RSS (x8) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2023-2-MLT-001 P4 HRS (x2) (Study of hot SB2 systems)
2024-1-MLT-010 P4 HRS (Stellar Characterisation of Ariel mission targets: derivation of N and O abundances)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-11

SA: Alexei
SO: Veronica
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

=> Unstable grey night with very moderate, bad and good seeing. Many blocks of different priorities were observed.

Science data taken for:
2021-2-LSP-001 P0 RSS (Followup of Transients)
2024-1-SCI-025 P2 RSS (Probing the large scale gas flows in galaxies)
2024-1-SCI-024 P2 RSS (Monitoring a special sample of quasars showing large continuum variations in their spectra.)
2019-1-MLT-008 P2 HRS (HRS monitoring of yellow symbiotic systems)
2022-2-MLT-002 P3 HRS (Follow-up of tight stellar quadruples)
2024-1-SCI-033 P3 HRS (detached eclipsing binaries for PLATO mission)
2023-2-MLT-004 P3 RSS (Searching for New quasar Pairs )
2023-2-MLT-001 P4 HRS (Study of hot SB2 systems)
2023-2-LSP-001 P4 RSS (x6) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2024-1-MLT-010 P4 HRS (Stellar Characterisation of Ariel mission targets: derivation of N and O abundances)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-10

SA: Antoine
SO: Austun
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

A beautiful, clear night, but with unstable seeing. We were able to observe a wide variety of blocks throughout the night.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-MLT-009 P1 RSS (Optical Spectroscopy of nearby Galaxies)
2024-1-MLT-002 P2 RSS (Tracking Accretion Flows via BLR Emission in Changing-Look Active Galactic Nuclei)
2023-2-MLT-003 P2 RSS (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2024-1-SCI-013 P2 RSS (Probing the quasar outflows.)
2024-1-MLT-006 P2 HRS (x2) (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)
2021-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (x2) (Followup of Transients)
2023-2-MLT-001 P4 HRS (Study of hot SB2 systems)
2024-1-ORP-001 P4 RSS (Double white dwarf candidates)
2024-1-SCI-004 P4 HRS (x2) (Defining a new chemically peculiar star catalogueBuilding a new )
2023-2-LSP-001 P4 RSS (x4) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-09

SA: Antoine
SO: Austun
Others: E10, Timmy and Eben

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

To night the seeing was not great and we lost part of the night due to high humidity.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-MLT-003 P0 RSS (Observations of supernovae, near and far. @_sublunar_)
2023-2-MLT-004 P3 RSS (Searching for New quasar Pairs )
2023-1-MLT-007 P3 RSS (SALT+Gaia survey of helium-rich hot subdwarfs)
2024-1-SCI-013 P3 RSS (Probing the quasar outflows.)
2023-2-LSP-001 P4 RSS (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-08

SA: Antoine
SO: Austun
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lost the whole night due to bad weather.

No science data taken.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-07

SA: Antoine
SO: Austun
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

A beautiful dark, clear and stable night. we were able to observe a wide variety of blocks throughout the night.


Science data taken for:
2021-2-LSP-001 P0 RSS (Followup of Transients)
2024-1-MLT-004 P0 RSS (Observations of white dwarf supernovae to be observed also with JWST.)
2024-1-MLT-006 P0 HRS (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)
2024-1-SCI-023 P1 RSS (Measuring the redshift of the objects in two strong gravitational lensing systems)
2023-2-MLT-003 P1 RSS (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2024-1-MLT-009 P1 RSS (Optical Spectroscopy of nearby Galaxies)
2024-1-DDT-005 P1 RSS (Observing the galactic fountain in action in a high-redshift galaxy)
2024-1-SCI-002 P2 RSS (Deep spectroscopy of faint, stellar shells in nearby in NGC 2865 & PGC 6240)
2023-1-SCI-040 P2 HRS (Searching for variable metal lines in polluted white dwarfs)
2023-1-MLT-007 P3 RSS (x2) (SALT+Gaia survey of helium-rich hot subdwarfs)
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2024-1-SCI-042 P3 RSS (SALT Spectra of Transients)
2024-1-ORP-001 P3 RSS (Double white dwarf candidates)
2024-1-SCI-004 P4 HRS (Defining a new chemically peculiar star catalogueBuilding a new )

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-06

SA: Antoine
SO: Austun
Others:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The seeing was a little worse than average but quite stable. But we ticked off a bunch of P0, DDT, and mix priority blocks.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-MLT-004 P0 RSS (Observations of white dwarf supernovae to be observed also with JWST.)
2021-2-LSP-001 P0 RSS (Followup of Transients)
2023-2-MLT-003 P1 RSS (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2024-1-DDT-005 P1 RSS (Observing the galactic fountain in action in a high-redshift galaxy)
2024-1-MLT-006 P1 HRS (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)
2024-1-SCI-003 P2 RSS (Longslit RSS study of faint, gas-rich dwarf galaxies)
2023-1-MLT-007 P3 RSS (SALT+Gaia survey of helium-rich hot subdwarfs)
2023-2-MLT-004 P3 RSS (Searching for New quasar Pairs )
2024-1-ORP-001 P3 RSS (x2) (Double white dwarf candidates)
2022-2-MLT-002 P3 HRS (Follow-up of tight stellar quadruples)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-05

SA: Antoine
SO: Austun
Others: Paul,Michael, Timmy and Wimpie

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

We observed several blocks, however technical difficulties where present tonight.

Science data taken for:
2023-2-MLT-003 P1 RSS (x3) (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2024-1-SCI-008 P1 HRS (beta Pic pulsation observation)
2024-1-SCI-003 P2 RSS (x2) (Longslit RSS study of faint, gas-rich dwarf galaxies)
2024-1-SCI-002 P2 RSS (Deep spectroscopy of faint, stellar shells in nearby in NGC 2865 & PGC 6240)
2023-1-MLT-007 P3 RSS (SALT+Gaia survey of helium-rich hot subdwarfs)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-04

SA: Antoine
SO: Austun
Others: Lisa, Lee and Timmy for Mirror Alignment

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lost the whole night due to bad weather.

No science data taken.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-03

SA: Lee
SO: Shamin
Others: Danièl (gains), Antoine & Austen (handover)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

There was a lot of cloud tonight, but we observed several blocks after the thicker cloud cleared away.

Science data taken for:
2023-1-MLT-007 P2 RSS (SALT+Gaia survey of helium-rich hot subdwarfs)
2024-1-SCI-030 P2 RSS (Metallicity gradient of SN Ia host galaxy NGC 524.)
2023-2-MLT-003 P2 RSS (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2023-1-SCI-040 P3 HRS (Searching for variable metal lines in polluted white dwarfs)
2024-1-SCI-033 P3 HRS (detached eclipsing binaries for PLATO mission)
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (x2) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2024-1-SCI-004 P4 HRS (x2) (Defining a new chemically peculiar star catalogueBuilding a new )

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-02

SA: Lee
SO: Shamin
Others: Danièl (polarimetry cals)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

We lost a lot of time to cloud tonight, though that cloud came with the silver lining of allowing us time to catch up on much needed calibrations. We managed to get in a handful of science blocks as well.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-SCI-033 P2 HRS (x2) (detached eclipsing binaries for PLATO mission)
2024-1-MLT-010 P3 HRS (Stellar Characterisation of Ariel mission targets: derivation of N and O abundances)
2024-1-MLT-004 P3 RSS (Observations of white dwarf supernovae to be observed also with JWST.)
2024-1-SCI-004 P4 HRS (Defining a new chemically peculiar star catalogueBuilding a new )
2023-2-LSP-001 P4 RSS (x3) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-09-01

SA: Lee
SO: Shamin
Others: Lisa (HRS), Lucia, UCT students

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Another clear and stable night with good seeing. We had brief technical issues with SCAM and HRS, the latter of which forced us to use a little engineering time to finish an RV standard. Otherwise, a good night!

Science data taken for:
2021-2-LSP-001 P0 RSS (x2) (Followup of Transients)
2024-1-SCI-025 P2 RSS (Probing the large scale gas flows in galaxies)
2024-1-SCI-003 P2 RSS (Longslit RSS study of faint, gas-rich dwarf galaxies)
2019-1-MLT-008 P2 HRS (x2) (HRS monitoring of yellow symbiotic systems)
2024-1-SCI-024 P2 RSS (Monitoring a special sample of quasars showing large continuum variations in their spectra.)
2024-1-SCI-030 P2 RSS (Metallicity gradient of SN Ia host galaxy NGC 524.)
2024-1-MLT-001 P2 RSS (Study of the outer parts of lenticular galaxies.)
2023-1-MLT-007 P3 RSS (x2) (SALT+Gaia survey of helium-rich hot subdwarfs)
2023-2-LSP-001 P4 RSS (x2) (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-08-31

SA: Lee
SO: Shamin
Others: Malcolm, Wimpie (BMS)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Another trouble free night under dark and stable skies. We completed 12 blocks of mixed priority.

Science data taken for:
2021-2-LSP-001 P0 RSS (x2) (Followup of Transients)
2024-1-SCI-029 P1 RSS (Redshift measurements of BL Lacs for the CTA project)
2024-1-MLT-009 P1 RSS (Optical Spectroscopy of nearby Galaxies)
2019-1-MLT-008 P1 HRS (HRS monitoring of yellow symbiotic systems)
2024-1-SCI-031 P2 RSS (BCG evlolution in ACT clusters at intermediate/high redshifts)
2024-1-SCI-033 P2 HRS (detached eclipsing binaries for PLATO mission)
2024-1-MLT-001 P2 RSS (Study of the outer parts of lenticular galaxies.)
2024-1-MLT-003 P3 RSS (Observations of supernovae, near and far. @_sublunar_)
2024-1-SCI-013 P3 RSS (Probing the quasar outflows.)
2023-1-MLT-007 P3 RSS (SALT+Gaia survey of helium-rich hot subdwarfs)
2024-1-SCI-007 P4 HRS (observing Ap stars)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-08-30

SA: Lee
SO: Shamin
Others: Danièl (polarimetry cals), Wimpie (payload)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

A beautiful dark, clear and stable night. The seeing was a little worse than average, but quite stable. We completed 11 mostly high priority blocks.

Science data taken for:
2021-2-LSP-001 P0 RSS (x2) (Followup of Transients)
2024-1-MLT-001 P2 RSS (x2) (Study of the outer parts of lenticular galaxies.)
2024-1-SCI-024 P2 RSS (Monitoring a special sample of quasars showing large continuum variations in their spectra.)
2024-1-MLT-005 P2 RSS (Study of the metallicity galaxies in voids)
2024-1-SCI-003 P2 RSS (Longslit RSS study of faint, gas-rich dwarf galaxies)
2024-1-MLT-006 P2 HRS (x2) (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)
2019-1-MLT-008 P2 HRS (HRS monitoring of yellow symbiotic systems)
2024-1-MLT-003 P3 RSS (Observations of supernovae, near and far. @_sublunar_)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Log 2024-08-29

SA: Lee
SO: Shamin
Others: Eben (RSS)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was a fairly productive night back on sky with RSS. We had a few tech issues and modest seeing and IQ, but ticked off a bunch of P0 and high priority blocks that had been waiting on us :-)

Science data taken for:
2021-2-LSP-001 P0 RSS (x4) (Followup of Transients)
2024-1-MLT-006 P0 HRS (Monitor the spectral emission lines of these Be binaries.)
2019-1-MLT-008 P1 HRS (HRS monitoring of yellow symbiotic systems)
2024-1-SCI-013 P1 RSS (Probing the quasar outflows.)
2024-1-SCI-003 P2 RSS (Longslit RSS study of faint, gas-rich dwarf galaxies)
2024-1-SCI-006 P2 RSS (Investigating broad H alpha emission in core-collapse supernovae.)
2023-2-MLT-003 P2 RSS (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2024-1-ORP-001 P3 RSS (Double white dwarf candidates)

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Night Log 2024-08-28

SA: Lee
SO: Shamin
Others:

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Summary
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The telescope was offline tonight due to ongoing work on the RSS grating mechanism. We would have lost most of the night to high humidity anyway.

No science data taken.

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Night Log 2024-08-27

SA: Moses
SO: Fred
Others: Austun, Valencia & Interns, Thabelo (for BMS and NIRWALS)

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Summary
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Lost the whole night due to bad weather

No science data taken.

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Night Log 2024-08-26

SA: Moses
SO: Fred
Others: Austun

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Summary
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Lost the whole night due to bad weather

No science data taken.

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Night Log 2024-08-25

SA: Moses
SO: Fred
Others: Austun (in control), Danièl (polarimetry cals)

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Summary
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Managed to observe a mixture of mostly high priority blocks at the start of the night before the strong winds came in and kept us closed for most of the second half of the night.

Science data taken for:
2024-1-DDT-004 P0 None (x2) (NIRWALS observations of the unusual HMXB XTE J1829-098 during its August 2024 X-ray outburst)
2021-2-LSP-001 P0 RSS (Followup of Transients)
2024-1-COM-001 P1 None (NIRWALS Testing)
2024-1-SCI-024 P2 RSS (Monitoring a special sample of quasars showing large continuum variations in their spectra.)
2023-2-MLT-003 P2 RSS (x2) (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2024-1-ORP-001 P3 RSS (Double white dwarf candidates)

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Night Log 2024-08-24

SA: Moses
SO: Fred
Others: Austun

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Summary
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Lost the whole night due to bad weather

No science data taken.

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