# Remote Observing at Yale

**Source**: https://astronomy.yale.edu/remote-observing-yale
**Parent**: https://astronomy.yale.edu/undergraduate-program

## Scheduling your session

- Contact Keck observatory **at least 4 weeks prior** to your run through the [Keck Observer’s Login Page](https://www2.keck.hawaii.edu/inst/PILogin/login.php)to request the use of the Yale Remote Observing Facility (YROF), following [standard procedures for mainland observing](http://www2.keck.hawaii.edu/inst/common/mainland_observing.html). Keck staff will then contact the Yale RO coordinator and the Keck support astronomer to obtain approval.  *Note:  in order to reduce stress on our remote observing resources, we need to enforce this 4-week window.   For routinely scheduled observing runs that do not make their request before the 4-week window, a late request fee of $100 will be charged if the run is approved.*
- If [YROF allocation criteria](https://astronomy.yale.edu/facilities/yale-nasa-keck-remote-observing-facility/yrof-allocation-policy) are met, you will be booked from 6pm ET (12n/1p HI time) until 1pm ET (7a/8a) the next day for each night of your observing run. You will receive an automatically generated E-mail informing you whether you have been approved for remote observing.
- The support staff at Yale will test the VNC and video systems for you before your run; for first-time users an orientation is required during business hours (9a-5p ET M-F) prior to the use of the YROF.

## Lodging and transportation

- Please see the [Yale-NASA Keck ROF home page](https://astronomy.yale.edu/facilities/yale-nasa-keck-remote-observing-facility) for information about lodging and transportation. You are responsible for making arrangements and for any expenses incurred during your stay.

## Access

- Please **plan to arrive in New Haven during business hours**(9a-5p ET) so that you can obtain an envelope with a proxy card to access the building, the passcode to enter the YROF and passwords for the equipment. **This card must be returned to the drop box** located in the YROF at the end of your observing run.

## During your run

- Sign on to both the [YROF remote workstation](https://astronomy.yale.edu/facilities/yale-nasa-keck-remote-observing-facility/remote-workstation-manual) and the [Polycom system](https://astronomy.yale.edu/polycom-manuals). Manuals for both of these are online and are also in a binder in the YROF.
- There is limited local support available in the case of failures of computer equipment or connections. Such support shall not guarantee the proper operation of the YROF.
- You are responsible for transferring data from Hawai’i to your local computer.

## Food and other essentials

- There is a large refrigerator and microwave in room 003.  There is also a kitchenette with a refrigerator, microwave, toaster and Keurig coffee machine on the first floor of 46 Hillhouse.  For other food options, please see the [Yale-NASA Keck ROF home page](https://astronomy.yale.edu/facilities/yale-nasa-keck-remote-observing-facility).
- For wireless access, sign on to [YaleGuest](http://www.yale.edu/its/network/wireless/index.html).  This has been more than sufficient for most of our observers.  If you forsee a special need to be registered on the Yale network, please contact your observing support well in advance of the run.
- There is a couch available in the room.

## Clean up, turn off lights and lock door

- Please clean up and leave the room as clean (or cleaner!) as it was when you came.
- Log out of all computer programs and end any videoconference or speakerphone calls.
- **Return your keycard** to the drop box by the YROF door.
- Please make sure that the door is locked and secured when you exit the facility.