An automated system for photoelectric photometry.

An automated photometry system for use in optical astronomy is described which includes a minicomputer, a 24-inch Cassegrain reflector, an automated sequential photometer, a photomultiplier, and a programmable integrator. Design objectives and considerations are discussed, the system operation and hardware configuration are outlined, and the system software is described. Results are reported for tests to investigate the repeatability of integrator readings with a constant current calibrator connected to the input and the maximum rate of consecutive observations of a given source. It is noted that this system requires no computer language programming by the observer, integration times of less than 0.5 sec should not be used unless reduced accuracy is acceptable, and twelve UBV sets of observations of one source can be recorded in 2 min 15 sec.