Developing a Protocol and Implementing a Network for Ubiquitous Use of Telescopes over the Internet: Remote Telescope Mark-up Language — RTML

Abstract

We have drafted a pilot protocol which will enable us to implement a non-homogeneous network of imaging telescopes capable of processing requests for the acquisition and retrieval of simple astronomical images. This protocol is designed to be independent of the specific instrumentation and software that controls the remote and/or robotic telescopes. It embeds traditional astronomical features such as coordinates and exposure times, and allows for prioritized queue scheduling of telescopes while protecting the telescope operating system. The prioritization supports high-stakes interruption of other observations—“Targets of Opportunity” like optical detection of gamma-ray bursts or other transient events. Some generality in this definition and flexibility is desirable, so that a broad variety of objects and observations can be accommodated within this standard. Urgency is needed in the final definition and implementation of this mark-up language, as a variety of satellite, education and science projects can profit by early adoption. A large body of professional and amateur users could use this protocol, and a number of telescope hardware/software companies systems are already working with early versions.