Keeping Astronomy in the Dark Around the Clock: Introducing LCOGT.net
Abstract
The Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope is a privately supported planned network of medium-sized (2m) telescopes, longitudinally located to "keep you in the dark all of the time". Since it will be able to perform continuous optical observations unbroken by the usual day/night cycle, LCOGT will have a capability to do astronomy in the 24+ hour time-domain, a function that does not currently exist in a manner dedicated to doing time-varying astronomy. By having such telescopes distributed in northern- and southern-hemisphere sets of nearly-identical facilities, LCOGT will also have a uniqe ability to perform target-of-opportunity observing. Finally, LCOGT will have sufficient telescope time to address a small number of key science questions that require large observing resources. A major educational outreach effort will accompany LCOGT science, building upon the educational work started by the Dill Faulkes Foundation.
- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #208
- Pub Date:
- June 2006
- Bibcode:
- 2006AAS...208.5605B