Telescope Live has undergone some significant changes with the launch of Telescope Live 4, and we understand many users are wondering about the availability of remote observations and the Advanced Request feature. In this article, we'll clarify the current offerings and how they differ from previous versions.
Key Changes in Telescope Live 4:
No More Remote Imaging via Advanced Requests: In earlier versions of Telescope Live, users could submit Advanced Requests for specific targets, allowing for remote observations at precise times. This feature is no longer supported in Telescope Live 4.
Shift to Curated Datasets and Partner Network: Telescope Live now focuses on providing curated datasets for users, along with access to our Partner Network. Users can access pre-collected data from various telescopes, but there is no longer the option to request custom observations or imaging.
How You Can Use Telescope Live 4:
Explore Curated Datasets: You can browse and download datasets that have been captured by our telescopes across a wide range of targets. These datasets cover various celestial objects, including galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters.
Use the Partner Network: Through our network of partner telescopes, you can still request observing time, but this must be done through external platforms or directly with the partner observatories. Telescope Live 4 does not handle these types of requests directly anymore.
Pre-Planned Observations: If you have specific observations you’re interested in, you can check for similar data in our repository, or contact our support team for guidance on accessing related data.
Why the Change?
The shift from remote imaging to datasets and partnerships allows us to provide users with more robust and easily accessible data, while also ensuring that Telescope Live's resources are utilized more efficiently across our global partner network. This change ensures high-quality, pre-processed data for educational, research, and hobbyist purposes.
What You Can Do if You Need a Specific Observation:
If you're looking for a specific observation of an event (like an occultation, transit, or other rare phenomena), we recommend:
Checking Available Datasets: Many of these events may already have pre-existing datasets.
Contacting Partner Telescopes: You may want to directly reach out to our partner telescopes to inquire about custom observation opportunities.
Exploring Other Platforms: Some external platforms may still support advanced observation requests if that is something you require.
FAQs:
Q: Can I still observe events like occultations with Telescope Live telescopes?
A: While we no longer support remote observations on-demand, you can still access datasets that might have captured similar events. We recommend exploring the Partner Network or other services for real-time custom observations.
Q: How can I access telescope time if I need a specific observation?
A: For specific observation requests, we suggest contacting one of our partner observatories or using third-party services for targeted remote imaging.