SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACCESSING TELESCOPES

摘要

A user obtains, views and stores image data of a selected celestial object from a network of available telescopes using a computer-generated user interface. Based on the selected object, information is accessed regarding each telescope from data sources such as databases and/or live data feeds to automatically select telescopes that are suitable for imaging the object, e.g., according to factors such as telescope type, power and configuration, location, weather conditions and altitude. The user may select a particular telescope and imaging time from a schedule of available telescopes and imaging times. At the scheduled time, an image is recorded of the celestial object and communicated to a central data store for access by the user, e.g., via a web site The user may be charged for the service based on factors such as exposure time, scheduling priority, type of telescope and the like.