Rigel: A Robotic Observatory for Undergraduate Astronomy Education

天文学(11)这个项目正在开发一个用于本科天文学实验室的机器人天文台原型。其目标是开发一个完整的集成系统，包括软件和课程，可以以合理的价格‘交钥匙’购买，供本科生教学实验室使用。研究望远镜制造商Torus Technologies参与了这一开发，并正在营销这种望远镜。这种方法的教育优势是，它允许大量学生以具有科学意义的方式设计和分析他们自己对各种天体的天文观测。这对于传达所有科学研究的核心兴奋和发现感至关重要。天文台的硬件包括一个37厘米的反射望远镜、成像相机、滤光片和光谱仪，安装在一个紧凑的玻璃纤维圆顶中，在停电或天气紧急情况下具有故障安全关闭功能。所有硬件都由中央计算机控制，可以通过基于Web浏览器的软件进行访问。数据分析软件和课程说明在很大程度上也是基于网络的，一些本地二进制文件是为特定平台构建的。该软件设计针对速度、易用性和与各种操作系统的兼容性进行了优化。课程材料基于爱荷华大学现有的天文实验室课程，在那里，开创性的自动望远镜设施已经成功使用了五年多。

Astronomy (11) This project is developing a prototype robotic observatory designed for use in undergraduate astronomy laboratories. The goal is to develop an integrated system complete with software and curriculum that can be purchased 'turn-key' at reasonable cost for use in undergraduate teaching laboratories. Torus Technologies, a manufacturer of research telescopes, is participating in the development and is marketing the telescope. The educational advantage of this approach is that it allows large numbers of students to design and analyze their own astronomical observations of a wide variety of celestial objects in a scientifically meaningful manner. This is crucial in conveying the excitement and sense of discovery central to all scientific research.The Observatory hardware consists of a 37 cm reflecting telescope, imaging camera, filters, and spectrometer housed in a compact fiberglass dome with fail-safe closure in case of power failure or weather emergency. All hardware is controlled by a central computer that can be accessed through Web browser-based software. The data analysis software and curriculum descriptions are also largely Web-based, with some native binaries built for specific platforms. The software design is optimized for speed, ease of use, and compatibility with a variety of operating systems. Curriculum materials are based on the existing astronomy laboratory curriculum at the University of Iowa, at which the pioneering Automated Telescope Facility has been used successfully for over five years.