Planning for a Remote Robotic Observatory in Australia

Suketu Bhavsar, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, University of Kentucky (UK)

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Due to the time difference between Kentucky and Australia, 9:00 am in Lexington, Kentucky, is 1:00 am at Siding Spring Observatory.

Australia is a technologically advanced and stable ally of the United States.

Why Australia?Why Australia?

Unleash the power of the KAT Unleash the power of the KAT to prowl the nightto prowl the night

SUMMARY

We have explored the feasibility of building and operating a research-grade robotic observatory in Siding Spring, Australia, that would be remotely controlled by University of Kentucky researchers and students. The advantages are dark, clear, southern skies and real-time observing during class time. This would be a powerful tool for educating students about science.

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UUniversity of niversity of KKentucky entucky AAustralia ustralia TTelescopeelescope

Where is Siding Spring? In New South Wales, AUSTRALIA!

CONCLUSION

Such a telescope is reasonably affordable for a

teaching institution. We are investigating whether

such a facility will have pedagogical advantages over

a local observatory, or students obtaining archived

images and data through the web.

The UKATUKAT Telescope provides ...

Telescope requirementsBasic requirements for a fully robotic remotely controlled

observatory include: Dark-sky observatory site with mains power connectedRemotely controllable observatory buildingTelescope optical tubeTelescope mountPierCCD cameraRobotic focuserColor filter wheelComputer with an eight serial port card fittedSoftware to operate the telescope, CCD camera, focuser, filter

wheel and domeTwo-way high speed internet linkInternet addressable power stripUPS, surge protector and back-up power supplyTelephone line into the observatoryAll-sky camera accessAccess to a local weather satellite serviceSuitably experienced personnel to install and service the

equipment and provide security at the observatory site Web camera inside the observatory

Rationale for a remote robotic observatory in Australia

I have explored the possibility of establishing a research-grade robotic observatory in the Southern Hemisphere. This is a description of what is envisioned if funding can be obtained for “UKAT,” the University of Kentucky-Australia Telescope. This could be a research and teaching tool for undergraduate education at UK and for K-12 students in the commonwealth.  UKAT would be located in southwestern Australia, at Siding Spring, the site of Australia's finest national observatories. The telescope would be directed in real time from UK by computer linkage. UK students and researchers could use the facility for studying astronomy and for undergraduate research projects. Kentucky citizens might view the spectacular southern skies in real time. UKAT would be one of the new generation of remotely operated telescopes, a uniquely powerful tool for educating students about science. Such education is imperative for Kentucky to advance as a state and for UK to advance as a research institution. Astronomy fascinates young people and can get them interested in science for the long term. Hands-on experience is critical in getting students interested and educated. The best way for a student to learn science is to do science. Astronomy is an ideal field for ushering students into science because the skies are always present for us to see and wonder about. An observatory is an ideal educational tool, and one currently not present in the Bluegrass. Such an observatory would provide:1) A perfect observing site with no pollution, dark skies, and clear nights.2) Daytime viewing of the night sky in Australia. 3) A view of the magnificent Southern Skies, including Sirius, Alpha-Centauri, and the Magellanic Clouds.

The Muhlenberg Observatory in Siding Spring, Australia. The dish is the satellite link with Muhlenberg College, PA, USA. In the background is the dome housing the 154-inch Anglo-Australian Observatory.

We would locate near Siding Spring, one of the world’s major observatories. It is located in the southern hemisphere to take advantage of light- and pollution- free skies.

Full telescope control from the classroom.

Telescope control in real-time during class.

The telescope site is adjacent to Australia’s famous Siding Spring Observatory.

Full professional observatory support.

Our choice of hardware/software.

A two-way satellite link.

Images from a similar telescope belonging to Muhlenburg College, PA.