TNG STOPS OBSERVATIONS FROM NOVEMBER, 4th FOR 4 WEEKS
The ashes due to the volcano eruption are making difficult to observe at ORM. The roof of the TNG requires continuous cleaning before opening the dome, to avoid first the ash fall and then the deposit over optics and electronics. For this reason, we reconsidered the time of the upgrade of the Telescope Control System, scheduled on April 2022.
Due to the foreseen persistent activity of the volcano, we decided to advance the intervention to November 2021; the TNG will remain closed from November, 4th onward for about 4 weeks.
We hope that the TNG users understand our decision. November is by far a less favourable month than April (58% vs. 75% of observing time, statistically) and the balance is expected to get worse due to the volcano eruption.