The Micro-Observatory: an Automated Telescope for Education

Abstract

For the past several years, a team of scientists, engineers, and teachers has been developing a portable, low-cost, automated imaging telescope designed specifically for classroom use which can be used in real-time or batch mode. The initial testing of the MicroObservatory has been completed. Students have used the telescope to observe celestial objects and have brought out detail and faint features in captured images with easy-to-use public domain image-processing software. In addition to the telescope control and image processing software, we are developing pattern recognition software that will allow the computer to aid the user in field and object identification. We are now in the process of building five second generation MicroObservatory telescopes, which will be tested in schools. Teachers have expressed great enthusiasm for the large-scale implementation of the project.