Operating a global network of autonomous observatories

0354859 - FZÚ 2011 RIV US eng C - Conference Paper (international conference)
Kubánek, Petr - Castro-Tirado, A.J. - de Ugarte Postigo, A. - Cunniffe, R. - Prouza, Michael - Štrobl, Jan - van Heerden, H. - Gorosabel, J. - Hudec, René - Yock, P. - Allen, W.H. - Bond, I. - Christie, G. - Guziy, S. - Hanlon, L. - Jelínek, M. - Meehan, S. - Polášek, Cyril - Reglero, V. - Vitale, P.
Operating a global network of autonomous observatories.
Software and Cyberinfrastructure for Astronomy. Bellingham: SPIE, 2010 - (Radziwill, N.; Bridger, A.), 77400U/1-77400U/12. Proceedings of the SPIE, 7740. ISBN 9780819482303.
[Software and Cyberinfrastructure for Astronomy. San Diego (US), 27.06.2010-04.07.2010]
R&D Projects: GA MŠMT ME09052; GA ČR GA205/08/1207
Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z10100502; CEZ:AV0Z10030501
Keywords : autonomous observatory * robotic telescope * telescope network * RTS2
Subject RIV: BF - Elementary Particles and High Energy Physics
http://dx.doi.org/10.1117/12.857222

We discuss our experiences operating a heterogeneous global network of autonomous observatories. The observatories are presently situated on four continents, with a fifth expected during the summer of 2010. The network nodes are small to intermediate diameter telescopes (<= 150 cm) owned by different institutions but running the same observatory control software. We report on the experience gained during construction, commissioning and operation of the observatories, as well as future plans. Problems encountered in the construction and operation of the nodes are summarised. Operational statistics as well as scientific results from the observatories are also presented.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0193767