"The Universe at Your Command!"

an official event for Global Astronomy Month (April 2010)

[ Images captured so far during GAM2010 at the Virtual Telescope are available]

1. Introduction

The Virtual Telescope is very proud to announce that as part of Global Astronomy Month, we will offer a number of free, personal observing sessions, so that you can experiment with our remote system and enjoy the Universe from your home.

The Virtual Telescope will be available at no cost on several days from 1 to 30 Aprilat no cost on several days during April 1-30, both for day-time and night-time observing! A maximum of 30 minutes of observing time per user is allowed. So that we can maximize our worldwide coverage, we will limit the requests from a given country to 5 (or 10, depending on the numbers of requests). An onsite astronomer will give live commentary through audio/video streaming, and also provide assistance to the users.

While a given user is enjoying our telescopes, you can see what she/he is observing, in real time!

2. Available telescopes for Global Astronomy Month at a glance

Latitude	Longitude	Time Zone	Available Telescopes	Observing mode	Live Astronomer onsite	Day/Night Activity	Applications	Colour Imaging
+41.6 deg	13.3E deg	GMT+1	a) 14"-f/8.7 + CCD b) Coronado H-alpha SolarMax60 + CCD	Live + images on request	yes	Both	Sun, Solar System, Deep Sky	Yes

In order to use our telescopes yourself, you just need to book your observing time. Please follow the simple instructions below and join GAM2010 remotely , no previous astronomical experience is required.. Wherever you are, whenever you want, the Universe is yours to discover!

Is this your first experience ever with a telescope? Here is your cosmic menu!

For those who are attracted by this opportunity provided by GAM2010 to cross the Universe with a powerful telescope, but don't know where to go, we want you to know that there are many wonderful objects that you can see during these nights! There are galaxies such as M51, M63, ...M66. There are also beautiful star clusters such as M3, M13, and M92, and dying suns such as M97 and M57. But don't forget the Moon, the Sun ... and Saturn!These are just suggestions, of course, and you are invited to find your own destinations!

 

Instructions: five, easy steps to the real Universe, live!

1) First, choose which telescope you would like to use - solar H-alpha telescope (daytime) or normal telescope (night-time) - and your observing mode - live or images on request. You can send only one request.
2) Second, choose your observing date and time. All times are UT (GMT). A maximum of 30 minutes of time per user is allowed. Check time availability here.
3) Third: click here to send your request by email to info@virtualtelescope.eu, putting in your preferences as described above. Also, make sure you send in your observing request at least 12 hours in advance of your preferred session.
4) Fourth: wait for confirmation/feedback by our staff.
5) Fifth: follow the instructions in the feedback and prepare to enjoy your GAM2010 Remote Astronomy adventure! You may also want to read the Virtual Telescope User's Manual.

Time is assigned on "first come, first served" basis. In case of bad weather, the session will be cancelled. A FAQ about the Virtual Telescope is available.

Please, send your feedback to help improving our service!

If you need of any help, please contact us. We are here to help!

Back to GAM2010 Program