Night Log 2026-01-20

SA: Rudi
SO: Shamin
Others: Antoine, Nomzamo

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

A full night of observing with some really bad seeing for a large part of the night. The bad and variable conditions forced us to observe mostly low priority blocks.

Science data taken for:
2024-2-LSP-001 P0 HRS (Followup of Transients)
2025-1-COM-001 P1 HRS (HRS HS Commissioning )
2024-2-SCI-025 P2 HRS (Looking for proto hot Jupiters)
2024-1-MLT-001 P2 RSS (Study of the outer parts of lenticular galaxies.)
2025-2-LSP-003 P3 RSS (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2025-2-SCI-040 P3 HRS (Characterising a binary system before the stars merge to form a luminous red nova)
2025-2-SCI-029 P3 HRS (High resolution spectroscopy of asteroseismic targets)
2025-2-LSP-001 P4 HRS (x3) (Defining a new chemically peculiar star catalogue)
2025-2-MLT-001 P4 RSS (Toward a complete census of void galaxy properties in the Local Volume)

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

Night Log 2026-01-19

SA: Rudi
SO: Shamin
Others:

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

Another full night of observing. We observed mostly lower priority blocks due to the variable seeing conditions tonight. No technical downtime.

Science data taken for:
2025-2-MLT-011 P0 RSS (Obtaining dynamical information and constraining galaxy cluster merger geometries and timescales)
2025-2-SCI-014 P1 RSS (We are probing the large scale outflows in bright quasars through absorption spectroscopy.)
2025-2-LSP-003 P2 RSS (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2025-2-SCI-010 P3 RSS (Optical spectroscopy of blazars for the CTAO project)
2025-2-MLT-006 P3 RSS (Study of galaxy properties of galaxy group HIPASS 1059-09)
2025-2-SCI-040 P3 HRS (Characterising a binary system before the stars merge to form a luminous red nova)
2025-2-SCI-004 P3 HRS (observations of ssrAp stars)
2024-1-MLT-010 P3 HRS (Stellar Characterisation of Ariel mission targets: derivation of N and O abundances)

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

Night Log 2026-01-18

SA: Rudi
SO: Shamin
Others:

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

A full night of observing. We had some weather downtime, engineering time and technical downtime tonight. Mostly lower priority blocks observed due to the variable seeing conditions.

Science data taken for:
2025-2-LSP-003 P2 RSS (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2025-2-SCI-006 P3 HRS (Measuring Lithium abundances in UMa candidate stars)
2025-2-MLT-013 P3 RSS (x2) (Searching for double hydrogen-deficient stars)
2024-1-MLT-010 P3 HRS (Stellar Characterisation of Ariel mission targets: derivation of N and O abundances)
2025-2-SCI-035 P3 RSS (Study of a sample of high redshift radio sources at z>3)
2025-2-MLT-006 P3 RSS (Study of galaxy properties of galaxy group HIPASS 1059-09)

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

Night Log 2026-01-17

SA: Rudi
SO: Shamin
Others: Kevin and kids

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

A full night of observing in relatively stable conditions. A good mix of priority blocks observed.

Science data taken for:
2024-2-MLT-006 P1 HRS (HRS observations of a high mass binary system.)
2025-2-DDT-002 P1 HRS (SALT/HRS observations of a gamma-ray bright HMXB in the LMC. )
2025-1-COM-001 P1 HRS (HRS HS Commissioning )
2025-1-MLT-002 P2 RSS (Tracking Accretion Flows via BLR Emission in Changing-Look Active Galactic Nuclei)
2025-2-MLT-013 P3 RSS (x2) (Searching for double hydrogen-deficient stars)
2025-2-MLT-006 P3 RSS (Study of galaxy properties of galaxy group HIPASS 1059-09)
2025-2-SCI-004 P3 HRS (observations of ssrAp stars)
2024-1-MLT-010 P3 HRS (x2) (Stellar Characterisation of Ariel mission targets: derivation of N and O abundances)

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

Night Log 2026-01-16

SA: Rudi
SO: Shamin
Others: Thabelo, Patrick Woudt and guest

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

Variable seeing with high humidity forced us to observe mostly lower priority blocks. The humidity finally forced us to close 2 hours early.

Science data taken for:
2025-1-COM-001 P1 HRS (HRS HS Commissioning )
2024-2-MLT-006 P2 HRS (HRS observations of a high mass binary system.)
2025-2-SCI-004 P3 HRS (observations of ssrAp stars)
2025-2-SCI-040 P3 HRS (Characterising a binary system before the stars merge to form a luminous red nova)
2025-2-SCI-006 P3 HRS (Measuring Lithium abundances in UMa candidate stars)
2025-2-MLT-013 P3 RSS (Searching for double hydrogen-deficient stars)

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

Night Log 2026-01-15

SA: Rudi
SO: Shamin
Others:

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

We only managed 3 completed blocks in poor seeing conditions before the humidity and clouds forced us to close.

Science data taken for:
2025-2-GWE-002 P1 RSS (Follow-up of GW counterpart candidates)
2025-1-COM-001 P1 HRS (HRS HS Commissioning )
2025-2-SCI-003 P3 HRS (Cosmic dance of massive triple)

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

Night Log 2026-01-14

SA: Rudi
SO: Shamin
Others:

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

A full night of observing in relatively good seeing conditions. We had some clouds towards the end of the night that made things interesting. All priorities represented tonight.

Science data taken for:
2025-2-SCI-036 P0 HRS (Atmospheric composition measurements of the brown dwarf TOI-1994b)
2024-2-LSP-001 P1 RSS (Followup of Transients)
2025-2-SCI-030 P1 RSS (Study of radio source with signatures of jet precession)
2024-1-MLT-001 P2 RSS (Study of the outer parts of lenticular galaxies.)
2025-2-SCI-029 P3 HRS (High resolution spectroscopy of asteroseismic targets)
2025-2-SCI-004 P3 HRS (observations of ssrAp stars)
2025-2-SCI-003 P3 HRS (Cosmic dance of massive triple)
2025-2-MLT-013 P3 RSS (Searching for double hydrogen-deficient stars)
2025-2-SCI-014 P3 RSS (We are probing the large scale outflows in bright quasars through absorption spectroscopy.)
2025-2-LSP-001 P4 HRS (Defining a new chemically peculiar star catalogue)

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

Night Log 2026-01-13

SA: Narges
SO: Veronica
Others: Rudi and Shamin for handover, Sam

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

A full night with clear skies, with downtime mainly at the start of the night and high seeing in the second half. Mostly Priority 2 and 3 blocks were observed.

Science data taken for:
2025-2-MLT-012 P2 HRS (Search for binary stars which may form planetary nebulae.)
2025-2-SCI-003 P2 HRS (x5) (Cosmic dance of massive triple)
2025-2-LSP-003 P2 RSS (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2025-2-MLT-003 P2 RSS (Searching for UV signatures of outflowing winds in quasars)
2025-2-SCI-034 P3 RSS (Probing magnetic field strength in mangnetic CVs)
2025-2-SCI-040 P3 HRS (Characterising a binary system before the stars merge to form a luminous red nova)
2025-2-MLT-006 P3 RSS (Study of galaxy properties of galaxy group HIPASS 1059-09)
2025-2-LSP-001 P4 HRS (Defining a new chemically peculiar star catalogue)

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

Night Log 2026-01-12

SA: Narges
SO: Veronica
Others: Devakshan

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

Another full night with clear skies and generally good seeing. We observed several high-priority blocks.



Science data taken for:
2024-2-LSP-002 P1 RSS (Pan-African AGN survey using SALT/IFS: tracing the properties of AGN and their host galaxies)
2025-1-COM-001 P1 HRS (HRS HS Commissioning )
2025-2-SCI-021 P1 RSS (x2) (Investigation of activity among main-belt objects)
2025-2-SCI-016 P2 RSS (x2) (Observing rare and fast transients.)
2025-2-SCI-003 P2 HRS (x2) (Cosmic dance of massive triple)
2025-2-MLT-013 P3 RSS (Searching for double hydrogen-deficient stars)
2025-2-LSP-003 P3 RSS (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2025-2-SCI-034 P3 RSS (Probing magnetic field strength in mangnetic CVs)

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

Night Log 2026-01-11

SA: Narges
SO: Veronica
Others: E10, Moses

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

A beautiful night overall, with average seeing and no technical downtime. Several high-priority blocks were observed.


Science data taken for:
2025-2-SCI-021 P1 RSS (x2) (Investigation of activity among main-belt objects)
2025-2-MLT-003 P2 RSS (Searching for UV signatures of outflowing winds in quasars)
2024-2-LSP-001 P2 HRS (Followup of Transients)
2025-2-SCI-003 P2 HRS (x2) (Cosmic dance of massive triple)
2025-2-SCI-038 P3 HRS (Identifying Be eclipsing binaries)
2025-2-SCI-001 P3 RSS (Observational program to srudy variations of Dark Matter Fraction among Galaxies)
2025-2-SCI-031 P3 RSS (Redshifts of candidate TeV blazars)

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

Night Log 2026-01-10

SA: Narges
SO: Veronica
Others: Moses

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

A full night with clear skies and variable seeing. There was some downtime, but we observed several blocks of mixed priorities.


Science data taken for:
2025-2-SCI-009 P1 HRS (High resolution spectrocopy of Type II Cepheids)
2025-1-COM-001 P1 HRS (x2) (HRS HS Commissioning )
2025-2-SCI-003 P2 HRS (x2) (Cosmic dance of massive triple)
2025-2-SCI-014 P2 RSS (We are probing the large scale outflows in bright quasars through absorption spectroscopy.)
2025-2-LSP-003 P3 RSS (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)
2025-2-SCI-006 P3 HRS (Measuring Lithium abundances in UMa candidate stars)
2025-2-MLT-013 P3 RSS (x2) (Searching for double hydrogen-deficient stars)
2024-2-MLT-001 P3 HRS (Spectroscopy of compact heirarchial triples)
2025-2-SCI-001 P3 RSS (Observational program to srudy variations of Dark Matter Fraction among Galaxies)
2025-2-SCI-022 P4 RSS (Artificial intelligence identification of extragalactic sources)

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

Night Log 2026-01-09

SA: Narges
SO: Veronica
Others: E10

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

The night was short and challenging. We closed at midnight due to thick cloud, and high humidity prevented reopening. Technical issues further limited observing, resulting in only three blocks being completed.


Science data taken for:
2024-2-LSP-001 P1 RSS (Followup of Transients)
2025-2-MLT-013 P3 RSS (Searching for double hydrogen-deficient stars)
2025-2-LSP-003 P3 RSS (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)

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

Night Log 2026-01-08

SA: Narges
SO: Veronica
Others:

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

Observing conditions were good throughout the night; despite some downtime, several high-priority blocks were successfully completed.


Science data taken for:
2024-2-LSP-001 P1 HRS (Followup of Transients)
2025-2-GWE-002 P1 RSS (Follow-up of GW counterpart candidates)
2025-2-SCI-019 P1 RSS (Probing CGM Response to Quasar Variability)
2024-2-SCI-025 P2 HRS (Looking for proto hot Jupiters)
2025-2-SCI-014 P2 RSS (We are probing the large scale outflows in bright quasars through absorption spectroscopy.)
2025-2-SCI-040 P3 HRS (Characterising a binary system before the stars merge to form a luminous red nova)
2025-2-SCI-003 P3 HRS (x2) (Cosmic dance of massive triple)
2025-2-LSP-003 P3 RSS (Investigating the polarised nature of TeV-emitting blazars)

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

Night Log 2026-01-07

SA: Narges
SO: Veronica
Others: Rudi, E10, Anthony

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

It was a full night with clear skies and good seeing. Despite multiple technical issues, we observed a good number of high-priority blocks.

Science data taken for:
2024-2-LSP-001 P1 RSS (x3) (Followup of Transients)
2025-2-SCI-009 P1 HRS (High resolution spectrocopy of Type II Cepheids)
2025-1-COM-001 P1 HRS (HRS HS Commissioning )
2025-2-SCI-010 P2 RSS (Optical spectroscopy of blazars for the CTAO project)
2024-1-MLT-001 P2 RSS (Study of the outer parts of lenticular galaxies.)
2024-2-SCI-025 P2 HRS (Looking for proto hot Jupiters)
2025-2-SCI-003 P2 HRS (Cosmic dance of massive triple)
2025-2-MLT-013 P3 RSS (Searching for double hydrogen-deficient stars)

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

Night Log 2026-01-06

SA: Lee
SO: Nomzamo
Others: Narges

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

A nice night to end the week. Clear skies and sub-arcsecond seeing all night allowed us to complete many high priority blocks, even with a bright moon. The telescope IQ was excellent and we had no technical issues. Humidity closed us about 1 hour before morning twilight.

Science data taken for:
2025-2-DDT-003 P0 RSS (Classification spectra of ZTF0329+0704)
2024-2-LSP-001 P1 RSS (Followup of Transients)
2025-2-SCI-010 P2 RSS (Optical spectroscopy of blazars for the CTAO project)
2025-2-MLT-010 P2 HRS (SA-China Exoplanet Collaboration PASTA)
2025-2-SCI-003 P2 HRS (x2) (Cosmic dance of massive triple)
2024-2-SCI-025 P2 HRS (x2) (Looking for proto hot Jupiters)
2024-2-MLT-006 P2 HRS (HRS observations of a high mass binary system.)
2023-2-MLT-005 P4 HRS (Monitoring the activity of Be/X-ray binaries in the southern hemisphere)

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

Night Log 2026-01-05

SA: Lee
SO: Nomzamo
Others: Sumari, Nico

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

We lost a little time to weather, technical issues and a second mirror alignment, which was needed due to strong winds during the first. However, we had some amazing seeing in the final few hours of the night after the clouds disappeared and the wind calmed down. We observed many very short blocks of (mostly) very bright stars under a bright moon.

Science data taken for:
2025-1-COM-001 P1 HRS (HRS HS Commissioning )
2025-2-MLT-012 P2 HRS (Search for binary stars which may form planetary nebulae.)
2025-2-SCI-003 P3 HRS (x6) (Cosmic dance of massive triple)
2024-2-MLT-001 P3 HRS (Spectroscopy of compact heirarchial triples)
2025-2-MLT-013 P3 RSS (x2) (Searching for double hydrogen-deficient stars)
2023-2-MLT-005 P4 HRS (x2) (Monitoring the activity of Be/X-ray binaries in the southern hemisphere)

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

Night Log 2026-01-04

SA: Lee
SO: Nomzamo
Others: Sumari

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

The night started and ended with cloud. We observed 4 blocks in a short gap between the weather. High humidity closed us for good.

Science data taken for:
2025-2-MLT-010 P1 HRS (SA-China Exoplanet Collaboration PASTA)
2025-2-SCI-005 P3 HRS (Observing, how disc-atmosphere inhomogeneities are rotating around the forming star)
2025-2-LSP-001 P4 HRS (x2) (Defining a new chemically peculiar star catalogue)

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

Night Log 2026-01-03

SA: Lee
SO: Nomzamo
Others: Sumari, Wimpie

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

We had a very difficult night full of technical issues and poor weather. We had cloud, wind, humidity and very poor seeing, but none were quite bad enough to close us. We managed to complete several low priority blocks.

Science data taken for:
2025-2-MLT-010 P2 HRS (SA-China Exoplanet Collaboration PASTA)
2023-2-LSP-001 P3 RSS (Spectra of ultrashort period main sequence binary stars)
2025-2-SCI-029 P3 HRS (x2) (High resolution spectroscopy of asteroseismic targets)
2025-2-LSP-001 P4 HRS (x4) (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 2026-01-02

SA: Lee
SO: Nomzamo
Others: Sumari for training

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

The night was cut short by high humidity. We had good seeing until then, and completed 5 blocks under a bright full moon.

Science data taken for:
2025-2-MLT-010 P2 HRS (SA-China Exoplanet Collaboration PASTA)
2025-2-SCI-038 P3 HRS (Identifying Be eclipsing binaries)
2025-2-MLT-013 P3 RSS (Searching for double hydrogen-deficient stars)
2025-2-SCI-004 P3 HRS (x2) (observations of ssrAp stars)

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

Night Log 2026-01-01

SA: Lee
SO: Nomzamo
Others:

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

We struggled with cloud for the first part of the night, but were treated to some fabulous seeing after it cleared out. The bright moon restricted us to using HRS all night.

Science data taken for:
2025-2-SCI-003 P2 HRS (x4) (Cosmic dance of massive triple)
2025-2-MLT-010 P2 HRS (SA-China Exoplanet Collaboration PASTA)
2024-1-MLT-010 P2 HRS (Stellar Characterisation of Ariel mission targets: derivation of N and O abundances)
2024-2-MLT-001 P3 HRS (x2) (Spectroscopy of compact heirarchial triples)
2025-2-SCI-029 P3 HRS (High resolution spectroscopy of asteroseismic targets)
2025-2-SCI-004 P3 HRS (observations of ssrAp stars)

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

Night Log 2025-12-31

SA: Lee
SO: Nomzamo
Others:

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

We lost most of the night to cloud, but opened after midnight to complete the first 4 blocks of 2026 with good seeing. Happy new year!

Science data taken for:
2025-2-SCI-003 P2 HRS (x3) (Cosmic dance of massive triple)
2025-2-MLT-008 P2 HRS (Monitoring beta Pic for exocomets.)

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