Why Remote Imaging Makes Sense
When most people get interested in astronomy they initially purchase some type of entry level telescope. The price tag generally varies from $500 to $3,000 depending on the type of system they purchase. This decision to initially purchase less expensive equipment may have significant dire consequences and compromise their entire lifelong astronomical and astrophotographic experience.
Very quickly some realize they need more accessories and equipment to enhance their observing experience. If their interests advance to astrophotography then the need for more sophisticated equipment becomes even more apparent. Of course the cost invested also increases incrementally.
Over a reasonable period of time (say 5 years) the initial investment of $3,000 soon grows to $15,000 or $20,000 depending on how ambitious the target activity and the available funds. The $20,000 expenditure does not occur overnight. The driving force behind all of this investing in new equipment is the pursuit of perfection in producing professional grade images. It is more likely that the purchase of better quality equipment occurs over a period of several years. This is the time it takes for the user to become aware of all the pitfalls of entry level equipment. This is also the time it takes to experience the fairly steep learning curve and develop a new level of sophistication. Coincidentally this is also the time it takes for the level of frustration to develop over the lack of performance of the less expensive equipment.
Productivity now becomes an important issue. How many times will the purchaser of all this expensive equipment get to use it? It depends on how committed the astronomer is to astrophotography and where the astronomer lives. In most cases they will have to drive 2 to 3 hours to reach a site dark enough to practice their skills. Also there is the time invested to perform all these feats of astronomical magic. Since many of the devotees work during the week most of the time they get to explore their avocation is during weekends. Between the possibility of the appearance of the Moon and inclement or cloudy weather this knocks down the chances of a successful mission to a fairly few occasions per year. Of course then too is the trip back. Another 2 to 3 hours invested in nonproductive time. All of this does not allow for other issues like the cost of fuel, cold weather, clouds rolling in and spoiling the trip, persistent biting insects and a myriad of other incidentals.
To summarize, an individual that is very serious about pursuing an interest in astronomy and astrophotography generally spends around $20,000 for a reasonably good performing system (the range may be between $12,000 and $75,000):
1. Telescope: $3,000 to $50,000
2. Mount: $5,000 to $20,000
3. CCD Camera: $2,500 to $10,000
4. Other needed accessories: $500 to 5,000
5. Total Cost: $11,000 to $85,000
It takes around 3 to 5 years accomplish this objective. After all of this has come to fruition, the persistent user may only get to use it 15 to 20 nights a year. Over the 5 year period this amounts to a total of 120 nights of usage at an approximate average cost of $166 per night (based on an average cost of $19,950). Then there is the cost of the following to consider. Each person must place their own value on their time:
Load-up time, Drive-time, Time to set up, Alignment, time to photograph (maybe an average of 6 hours per night), Tear-down, reload, drive back time and finally unload time.
So here is the bottom line: Let us assume an average shooting time of 6 hours per night. That amounts to 600 hours of shooting for a 5 year period or 120 hours a year. The cost of using Global Rent-a-Scope for 120 hours per year can be around $2500. Extend this cost for the 5 year period and the total cost for a 5 year period is $12,500. The overall difference right up front is $8,000 less for Global Rent-a-Scope. Now consider this, the user gets to use world-class observatory equipment that is the best money can buy.
This is equipment few astrophotographers could or would even contemplate purchasing for themselves. The equipment setups at Global Rent-a-Scope are some of the best equipment ever assembled. These systems generally cost over $50,000 each. |
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