Nikola Antonov - Backyard Astronomy

The setup is a compact yet scientifically capable system. At its heart is a 0.25-metre Sky-Watcher Explorer PDS Newtonian telescope working at f/4.8 and a 1200 mm focal length, mounted on a robust EQ6-R Pro German equatorial mount. Image capture relies on a 9-megapixel cooled ASI 533 MM Pro CMOS camera with 3.76 µm pixels, delivering 0.64–1.3 arcsec/pixel resolution across a generous 32′ × 32′ field. Guiding is handled by an 80/600 mm refractor and an ASI 290 MC camera, while swappable Baader Bessel UBVR photometric and Astronomik narrow-band (Ha, OIII, SII 12 nm) filters let the observer pivot from precise brightness measurements to vivid nebular imaging. The rig can track objects as low as 28–35° above the horizon, except due N/W, making full use of the open southern sky at 690 m elevation. All devices are orchestrated through INDIGO automation software.

Beyond research, Meshtitsa Observatory doubles as a hands-on classroom. Throughout the year local school groups and youth clubs are invited to explore the equipment, learn how light is collected and measured, and even participate in simple observing campaigns. These outreach days—often timed with meteor showers, eclipses or International Observe the Moon Night—spark curiosity, demystify scientific instrumentation, and encourage the next generation to see astronomy as an accessible, creative endeavour rather than a distant academic pursuit.

In this behind-the-scenes glimpse, a low-light camera keeps watch inside the observatory while the roof is closed and the telescope slews autonomously under scripted control. Live video lets the operator verify that cables remain clear, dew heaters function, and the mount parks safely when clouds roll in. Combined with weather sensors and internet-connected power relays, the system permits fully unattended imaging sessions—sometimes running the whole night while the observer monitors progress from kilometres away. 

Powered by INDIGO. The open-source INDIGO framework underpins the observatory’s automation. INDIGO provides device drivers, scheduling, a dashboard, binding cameras, focusers, filter wheels, and environmental sensors into one cohesive network. By choosing an open standard, the project benefits from community-driven updates and ensures that both proprietary and DIY hardware can be added or swapped without rewriting control software—a philosophy that keeps small observatories flexible, affordable and future-proof.