No Ph.D. Required: Remote Telescopes Reaching a Wider Audience

Abstract

Remote telescopes are currently being used in many formal and informal educational settings, from museums to worldwide collaborations. The speed and accessibility of the Internet has made remote telescope technology a reality outside of research labs. The mechanisms, interfaces and goals vary between programs, but all use cutting edge technology to deepen public awareness of astronomy research. The National Optical Astronomy Observatory, RBSE program, MicroObservatory, Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network, Slooh and Hands-On Universe discuss in this paper how they are leveraging the newest technologies to bring opportunities once reserved for professional researchers into classrooms, museums, and living rooms. By partnering with universities, government agencies and commercial enterprises, astronomy educators are giving the public access to advanced telescopes, allowing real scientific discovery to occur.