I hope you enjoy content from the newbies! It was Josh’s first blog post yesterday, so naturally it was my turn for a blog debut today.
With the loop having been closed at the end of the day yesterday, we were ready to start working with MagAO-X this morning. I had actually never seen someone close the loop before, so I got the chance to watch that for the first time. Maggie and Laird added in the flat-field mask, then tag-teamed with Sebastiaan for some more alignment:
After lunch, some of us absconded to the library to do homework (and procrastinate writing a grant proposal). As I attempted to decipher my metrology assignment, the lights suddenly went out …
uh oh.
Not being too familiar with the way all the computers/electronics work, I wasn’t sure what the exact ramifications of the power outage were—but I did infer that it was, at the very least, wildly inconvenient. We did eventually get everything running again and were able to take some engineering data after dinner:
Only a few of us made it out to watch the sunset, but those of us who did were rewarded with some beautiful views; plus, those of us who were watching closely saw the Sun’s green flash (I swear!).
Laird, Maggie, and I closed out the day by taking a quick look at the stars before heading to bed. I’m already in awe of how many there are, and I’m promised the view is even more spectacular when the Moon isn’t out. I can’t wait.
Song of the day: