What do you do while waiting for long exposures?

[PortableAstronomer]

Hi all, just wondering what other imagers do while they're waiting for several long exposures to finish.

With my imaging scope pretty much busy all night capturing data, there really isn't a lot to do. If I had a 2nd scope I would be using that for imaging too, to capture even more data. I guess some of you leave your system on autopilot and go to bed, but I'm using a portable setup in the field as my local LP really sucks. I've even considered bringing a portable DVD player and watch some films while waiting for the exposures to finish.

Maybe a decent pair of binoculars will keep me occupied? Maybe binoculars are the for many imagers, their main observing instrument?

[Euan]

If I have my gear running outside I'm usually watching TV, on the PS3 or on here

If I had a portable setup and was out at a decent dark site I would try and squeeze a dob in there with the rest of the kit

I'm considering a dob at home for this purpose, but it might not be worth it due to the light pollution

[PortableAstronomer]

I use to meet up with another imaging buddy where we would both drive for 20 mins into a dark-ish site. Between exposures he ordered pizza online through his 3G dongle on his laptop. Also did a Chinese Takeaway. So funny to see the moped arrive.

There must be some crazy stories out there.

Back to the subject though ; I think a decent pair of binoculars is getting very tempting for me. Unlike another scope, with binos I won't be tempted to put another CCD camera on the back of them; it will force me to use my eyes under the night sky and start observing for a change.

[Euan]

Unlike another scope, with binos I won't be tempted to put another CCD camera on the back of them; it will force me to use my eyes under the night sky and start observing for a change.

I know what you mean. If you take anything that is a bigger aperture than your imaging gear the temptation will be unbearable

Binos & more Pizza sounds like a good plan

[carastro]

I have to confess, if it's in the early hours and several hours wait I go to bed and set the alarm to get up when it's all finished. Also did this at astro camp as it was VERY damp and needed to get out of it for a while.

Not done a dark site with no sleeping arrangements.

Carole

[George]

I normally wait for the first 3 or 4 exposures to down load and if every things OK then I'll retire indoors and watch TV or browse the web, I'll either monitor the obsy from the laptop via VNC if I'm watching TV or I'll have a VNC window open here to monitor.

Ive recently done a couple of all night unattended sessions but I wont be doing these in the winter months until I fully automate my motorised roll off roof.

[James]

Most nights I'll have a visual set up going too, if it's particularly cold I'll probably sit inside and managed everything from my computer in the house.

One night back in May when feeling particularly lazy I watched Casino Royale on my laptop, interrupted only by the occasional chime as a set of subs came in.

James

[Deneb]

Once I set the subs running, go back in the house & check over the exposures after every hour or so.

Nadeem.

[mark7331]

Binoculars are a good idea (and a cup of tea). Armed with both I usually have a look at the universe (planning my next session) but sometimes go online to check if I need any more kit. Just in case...

I don't think I'd want to do unattended sessions - half the fun is sitting under the stars and being exhausted the next day.