Boosting productivity: A framework for professional/amateur collaborative teamwork

Saleh Al-Shidhani*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

Abstract

As technology advances, remote operation of telescopes has paved the way for joint observational projects between Astronomy clubs. Equipped with a small telescope, a standard CCD, and a networked computer, the observatory can be set up to carry out several photometric studies. However, most club members lack the basic training and background required for such tasks. A collaborative network between professionals and amateurs is proposed to utilize professional know-how and amateurs' readiness for continuous observations. Working as a team, various long-term observational projects can be carried out using small telescopes. Professionals can play an important role in raising the standards of astronomy clubs via specialized training programs for members on how to use the available technology to search/observe certain events (e.g. supernovae, comets, etc.). Professionals in return can accumulate a research-relevant database and can set up an early notification scheme based on comparative analyses of the recently-added images in an online archive. Here we present a framework for the above collaborative teamwork that uses web-based communication tools to establish remote/robotic operation of the telescope, and an online archive and discussion forum, to maximize the interactions between professionals and amateurs and to boost the productivity of small telescope observatories.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)164-169
Number of pages6
JournalProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume4845
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2002
EventAdvanced Global Communications Technologies for Astronomy II - Waikoloa, HI, United States
Duration: Aug 22 2002Aug 23 2002

Keywords

  • Long-term observational projects
  • Pro/Am collaboration
  • Public outreach
  • Remote operation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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