Clouded out in the UK? Your next astrophotography session could be under darker skies.
Book a remotely hosted ZWO Seestar S50 Pro in Inner Mongolia for just £30 for a full-night session of up to nine hours. When British weather stops your imaging plans, Dark Clear Skies gives experienced Seestar users and astrophotographers another location to observe from.
£30 per night · Up to 9 hours · Remote telescope access · For experienced users
Escape the UK's clouds with remote astrophotography
Anyone who images from Britain knows how frustrating weeks of cloud and light pollution can be. Our remote observing service lets you book telescope time at a dark-sky location near Ulanqab, Inner Mongolia, without travelling overseas or setting up equipment outside.
The location is advertised as Bortle 2, offering opportunities for deep-sky imaging when conditions allow. Clear skies, seeing and target visibility are never guaranteed, but remote access gives experienced imagers another option when conditions at home are poor.
Why the Seestar S50 Pro?
The Seestar S50 Pro is a compact smart telescope designed to make deep-sky imaging accessible through an integrated system. Its optical and imaging features include a 50 mm four-element apochromatic telescope, 260 mm focal length, dual 4K imaging cameras and 128 GB built-in storage. Actual controls available during a rental session depend on the remote-access setup.
For experienced Seestar users, this is an opportunity to concentrate on selecting targets, capturing images and experimenting with supported imaging features without having to assemble a complete telescope rig.
What could you image?
Depending on the season, sky position and conditions, potential targets include the Andromeda Galaxy (M31), Orion Nebula (M42), Pleiades (M45), Triangulum Galaxy (M33) and many other suitable deep-sky objects. Some targets will be too low, too large or otherwise unsuitable on a particular date, so plan your session in advance.
See the S50 Pro in action
Want to understand the telescope before booking? Watch a third-party Seestar S50 Pro hands-on demonstration. This video demonstrates the telescope model; it is not footage of our rental installation and does not imply every feature shown is available remotely.
Keep imaging when the UK is clouded out
Use your existing imaging experience to select suitable targets and capture remotely from Inner Mongolia. This is a self-guided observing service for experienced users. Follow the supplied instructions and use only the permitted remote controls.
How to book your remote telescope session
- Choose a night. Click the green Book your slot button and select an available session.
- Book for £30. Each booking is for one full-night session of up to nine hours.
- Receive access details. We will provide the applicable connection and operating instructions for your confirmed session.
- Plan and capture. Use the supported remote controls to select suitable targets and capture images.
- Save your images. Keep your results using the available image-saving or transfer functions.
Who is this service for?
This is a self-guided service for experienced Seestar users and astrophotographers. It is not a beginner training course. You should already understand basic target selection, imaging and Seestar operation, and follow all supplied remote-use instructions. Do not change telescope or observatory settings outside the permitted controls.
Email address required for telescope access
You need a free ZWO/Seestar account. Please use the email address linked to that account when booking, so we can identify the correct account for timed telescope access. If your checkout email is different, reply to your booking confirmation with your booking reference and your ZWO/Seestar account email before your session.
We need your account email only. Never send us your password or verification codes. Access must be arranged before you connect; completing payment does not itself activate telescope access.
What will you need?
A compatible phone or tablet, the required Seestar software and account, and a reliable internet connection. You do not need to own the telescope at the remote site. Exact access requirements will be confirmed in your booking instructions.
Observing times: Inner Mongolia and the UK
The stated local observing window is 20:00–05:00 China Standard Time (UTC+8). That corresponds to 13:00–22:00 UK time during British Summer Time and 12:00–21:00 UK time during Greenwich Mean Time. Always use the times shown in your confirmed booking, particularly around UK clock changes.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost?
£30 for one full-night session of up to nine hours.
Do I need to own a Seestar?
No. You are booking time on a remotely hosted Seestar S50 Pro.
Is this suitable for complete beginners?
No. This service is intended for customers already comfortable with Seestar operation or similar astrophotography equipment.
Can I choose any deep-sky target?
You can select suitable targets within the capabilities and permitted controls of the remote setup. Visibility depends on the date, sky position and observing conditions.
What if the weather is poor?
If weather prevents observing for four hours or more in total, choose a proportionate refund for all weather-lost time or equivalent booking credit. If fewer than two usable observing hours remain, choose a full refund or a replacement night. Technical faults are assessed separately. Read the full booking terms.
Is this the original Seestar S50?
No. This rental is advertised for the newer Seestar S50 Pro.
Ready for your next imaging session?
Don't let another cloudy UK night put your astrophotography on hold. Select an available date using the green Book your slot button above and book your S50 Pro remote observing session for £30.
Important: Please select an available session in the booking calendar before checkout. If the calendar does not appear, contact Dark Clear Skies before placing an order.
Also available: Seestar S30 Pro remote observing
The Seestar S30 Pro now joins our remote observing range at £30 per night, alongside the S50 Pro. See S30 Pro rental details and arrange availability. This booking calendar remains for the S50 Pro only.