A Global Network of Small Telescopes as a Resource for Astronomical Research and Education

Extract

There is no question that relatively small telescopes are powerful tools for astronomy, just as they always have been. With the new detectors and full usage of computers, they have become even more powerful, enabling us to do with a one-meter aperture telescope today more than 4-meter or 5-meter telescopes could do only a few decades ago. And the small ones cost a lot less to build and operate than the large ones. As such, small telescopes are the main hope for observing time for the many astronomers worldwide who need them as part of their research (or educational) tools. They can make a major impact on many areas of research and will be of great value for scientific education as well. Astronomy is very interesting to students and to the general public, not just to astronomers. Furthermore, most areas of astronomical research are data poor and more telescopes are needed to effectively attack the problems. Only a very few of us have adequate telescope time for our research or educational needs.