R. L. Hackney

STARBASE: A Network of Fully Autonomous Telescopes for Hands-on Science Education

Students Training for Achievement in Research Based on Analytical Space-science Experiences (STARBASE) is being established to provide exciting hands-on research opportunities for students. STARBASE is a network of networks, consisting of dedicated hardware, universities, professional astronomers, teachers, and students all working together in scientific investigations. Funded through the NASA Office of Space Science, the STARBASE network is working to bring major science research projects to motivated students all over the globe. Western Kentucky University is the lead institution for STARBASE Students Training for Achievement in Research Based on Analytical Spacescience Experiences. In 1999, WKU received funding from NASAs Office of Space Science, allowing us to begin to put into place the networks of hardware, universities, teachers, and students which comprise STARBASE. The Network of Hardware: Fully autonomous observatories have recently been made possible through the revolutionary advances in computing technology. Advances in computing power and networking allow even remote institutions with limited budgets to operate a small telescope at a world-class observing site. The STARBASE network of observatories with the first of three fully autonomous meter-class telescopes coming on-line is another example of the recent efforts to establish global networks of small telescopes. The 0.6-meter Western Kentucky University telescope is located near Bowling Green, Kentucky (latitude = +36°55, longitude = +86°36.7, elevation 225m). The telescope system has been refurbished and automated by Astronomical Consultants and Equipment, Inc. of Tucson, Arizona. Commissioning tests were being performed at the time of this conference, with the intention of achieving robotic operation in the spring of 2001. The 1.3-meter Robotically Controlled Telescope (RCT) is located at the Kitt Peak National Observatory (latitude = +31°57, longitude = +111°35.7, elevation 2064m). The refurbishment and automation of the former KPNO 1.3meter is being undertaken by EOS Technologies, Inc. of Tucson, Arizona, and recommissioning of the RCT is scheduled for early 2002. Negotiations to locate a new meter-class fully autonomous telescope at the Wise Observatory in Israel (latitude = +30°36, longitude = —31°45.8, elevation 900m) are progressing well, though no start date has been established. An additional observatory at a site in eastern Asia is desired, but funding had not yet been secured as of this conference.