Converting the ANU 2.3 telescope to fully automated operation

TL;DR

This paper describes the successful transition of the ANU 2.3m telescope to fully autonomous operation, enabling flexible queue scheduling and rapid response for transient astronomy, marking a significant advancement in telescope automation.

Contribution

It introduces the first fully autonomous operation system for the largest optical telescope retro-fitted for automation, enhancing observational flexibility and responsiveness.

Findings

Six months of continuous autonomous operation achieved

Supports rapid Target-of-Opportunity observations

Enables efficient queue scheduling for diverse science cases

Abstract

The operation of the ANU 2.3m telescope transitioned from classically scheduled remote observing to fully autonomous queue scheduled observing in March 2023. The instrument currently supported is WiFeS, a visible-light low-resolution image-slicing integral field spectrograph with a 25''x 38'' field of view (offering precision spectrophotometry free from aperture effects). It is highly suitable for rapid spectroscopic follow-up of astronomical transient events and regular cadence observations. The new control system implements flexible queue scheduling and supports rapid response override for Target-of-Opportunity observations. The ANU 2.3m is the largest optical telescope to have been retro-fitted for autonomous operation to date, and it remains a national facility servicing a broad range of science cases. We present an overview of the automated control system and report on the first six months of continuous operation.