How does your Universe work? Explore Investigate Discover National Schools' Observatory
Use Professional Robotic Telescopes Explore the Universe for yourself! Log-on to the National Schools' Observatory website
What are Robotic Telescopes? Telescopes that operate automatically. No Astronomers in attendance. They are controlled using the internet. Observations for many people can be taken every night, including schools.
The Liverpool Telescope The world's largest robotic telescope Height Metres Weight - 24 Tonnes Mirror Diameter - 2 Metres Mirror Weight Tonnes The Main Mirror in its packing case
The National Schools' Observatory This Observatory links schools with robotic telescopes sited around the world.
Features of the National Schools' Observatory You can : Request telescopes to observe the night sky. Download image data produced by the telescopes Find out what is in the night sky Keep up to date with the world of astronomy Use the astronomy text book Link with schools around the world News about the telescopes and the world of astronomy. Facts and figures about the telescopes in the Observatory. Get images from a telescope or take part in the Universe Lab. What can you see in the sky tonight? What is new in astronomy? All you need to know about the universe! Exercises and information for different subjects. Join the club! Collaborate with students around the world.
What will you discover? Find some objects to explore. Use the website to learn more. Plan your investigation.
Lets use a telescope For example, let's find out: How long is Jupiter's day? Your Observing Program will need three observations to see Jupiter spin. The observations should be at least one hour apart. Artists impression of the Liverpool Telescope on La Palma, in the Canary Islands
Go Observing Log on to the Schools' Observatory website. Use the pages. Your Observing Programme is sent to the telescope. Go Observing
The telescope makes your observations
Downloading your observation Use your password to get the data. Data Includes : Image data Weather data Image information
Make your measurements Use the Observatory's Image Analysis software - LTImage. How long is Jupiter's day?
Work with cutting edge professional telescopes Expand your knowledge of the Universe Major education resources for all subjects Keep in touch with the latest in astronomy Register your school today