Guest blog from Stephen G. Cullen, president/CEO of LightBuckets online telescopes:
The final day of the Telescopes from Afar Conference in Hawaii was as interesting as the first. The presentations included discussions about Mauna Kea weather forecasting, site selection for the new Thirty Meter Telescope, and an overview of the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) by Director Arne Hendon.
Wayne Rosing talks about the Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network, which he founded. Stephen G. Cullen photo
A good part of the day session was devoted to talks by representatives of the Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network (LCOGTN). Wayne Rosing, LCOGTN founder, gave an overview of their strategy while John Martinez went into detail about much of the technical aspects of their plans.
It was intriguing to hear the AAVSO overview relative to the LCOGTN plans. The two organizations fundamentally represent the ends of the spectrum in privately funded astronomy research today. AAVSO uses an all-volunteer staff and a network of heterogeneous telescopes to conduct worldwide variable star research.
Conversely, LCOGTN directly employs a number of staff research astronomers, programmers, engineers, and members other disciplines. In addition, they are building what amounts to a homogenous network of 0.4- and 1-meter telescopes. LCOGTN also engineers and fabricates their own mounts, cameras, and filter wheels. Even the observatory structures themselves are homegrown. There is certainly justification for both approaches so there really is no right or wrong here — just different approaches to getting serious research done.
From the author’s hotel Sunday night, he captured the Moon and Jupiter in the sky together over the Pacific. Stephen G. Cullen photo
The conference wrapped up with a surprise informal cocktail party hosted by LCOGTN.
From talking with other attendees, everyone was happy with the content, venue, and networking opportunities afforded by this inaugural gathering. Special thanks go to the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope organizers and workers who helped make the event a success. I’m looking forward to participating again next year.
Related blogs
The Telescopes from Afar Conference continues
The first Telescopes from Afar Conference
This breaching whale appeared in the ocean off the beach at the Waikoloa Marriott. Stephen G. Cullen photo