Planning for a Remote Robotic Observatory in Australia Suketu Bhavsar, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, University of Kentucky (UK)! 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? Unleash the power of the KAT to 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. The University of Kentucky Australia Telescope 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. UKAT The UKAT Telescope provides... Telescope requirements Basic requirements for a fully robotic remotely controlled observatory include: Dark-sky observatory site with mains power connected Remotely controllable observatory building Telescope optical tube Telescope mount Pier CCD camera Robotic focuser Color filter wheel Computer with an eight serial port card fitted Software to operate the telescope, CCD camera, focuser, filter wheel and dome Two-way high speed internet link Internet addressable power strip UPS, surge protector and back-up power supply Telephone line into the observatory All-sky camera access Access to a local weather satellite service Suitably 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.