PIRATE – the piCETL Robotic Astronomical Telescope Explorer

Abstract

We have set up PIRATE, a remotely operable 35 cm astronomical telescope in a robotic dome at the Observatori Astronomic de Mallorca, to pilot the realtime use of a telescope by distance-leaning students from their home.
Remote access software, webpages and course materials for third level Open University students were developed. The experience from the first cohort of students of a 10 week-long project based on PIRATE demonstrates the success of the PIRATE concept for teaching practical science at a distance, and highlights the benefits distance learning students draw from a stimulating framework that facilitates group working.