diff --git a/src/panoptes/pocs/core.py b/src/panoptes/pocs/core.py
index d6bdab41f..8de9e78fe 100644
--- a/src/panoptes/pocs/core.py
+++ b/src/panoptes/pocs/core.py
@@ -299,6 +299,10 @@ def observe_target(self,
                     f'Starting {pic_num:03d} of {current_observation.min_nexp:03d} '
                     f'with {exptime=}'
                 )
+
+                status = self.status
+                self.logger.debug(f'Status before starting observation: {status}')
+
                 try:
                     self.observatory.take_observation(blocking=True)
                 except error.CameraNotFound: