Spectro Capture: A Software System for Automated Small-Observatory Spectroscopy

TL;DR

Spectro Capture is a Python software system that automates small observatory spectroscopy workflows, enabling reliable unattended multi-target observations with high success rates.

Contribution

The paper introduces Spectro Capture, a comprehensive software system that integrates all steps of small observatory spectroscopy into an automated workflow.

Findings

Achieved a 98.3% success rate in unattended target observations.

Demonstrated practical automation of spectroscopy at a small observatory.

Validated system performance through log analysis from January to May 2026.

Abstract

Spectro Capture is a Python-based software system developed to automate small- observatory fibre-fed spectroscopy. The system integrates target selection, telescope slewing, guide star acquisition, fibre position restoration, calibration and science exposure sequencing within a single observing workflow. The paper describes the design and operational behaviour of the system at Shenton Park Observatory, where it has been used for unattended multi-target spectroscopic observing. Log analysis from January to May 2026 shows that the system completed 339 of 345 attempted science target blocks in primary unattended batch runs, corresponding to a completion rate of 98.3%. The results demonstrate that reliable unattended spectroscopy is practical at a small observatory when target acquisition, guiding, scheduling and calibration control are treated as an integrated software problem.