Robotic Telescopes

Summary

In this module, we investigate why astronomers need robotic telescopes, and find out how they help us to discover so much more about our changing Universe. By looking in detail at our own robotic telescope, the 2-metre Liverpool Telescope (LT), participants will gain a greater sense of the complexities involved in operating and maintaining a professional telescope. Using the free resources on offer from the National Schools’ Observatory (our parent organisation), we will request a number of observations from the LT, and students will work with and analyse real observations using our own image processing software. A follow-on practical activity will allow participants to combine three filtered observations to create colour images of galactic objects, such as planets, galaxies, nebula and supernova remnants.

Age Range

7 – 11

Duration

45 minutes

Module Composition

• Introduction to Robotic Telescopes – Presentation
• Let’s Go Observing – Practical Activity
• Global Robotic Telescope Networks – Presentation
• Image Processing – Practical Activity
• 3-colour Imaging – Practical Activity

Extension Activities

• NSO Observing – free use of a professional robotic telescope.
• Faulkes Telescope Project – opportunity for schools to conduct live observations.
• LCOGT – gain access to a network of small robotic telescopes.