Astronomical Experimental Class and Evaluation of Interactive Remote Telescope System by Time Difference between Germany and Japan

Abstract

We developed an interactive remote telescope system at Misato observatory in Wakayama, Japan, in 1996. It is possible to introduce Observation Based Learning (OBL) into classroom by live picture of celestial bodies from observatory with Internet. We had experimental class at Japanese school in Frankfurt to confirm effectiveness of the interactive remote telescope system. Target celestial body was the moon. The experiment class was from 13 to 15 o’clock by central European time on Feb. 15th , 2000. There was 8 hours time difference between Germany and Japan, therefore it was from 21 to 23 o’clock at night in Japan. Students could see live picture of the moon in the daytime and operated the telescope by Internet. We describe that the method of the experimental class and results.