The intelligent observatory

Stephen B. Potter; Nicolas Erasmus; Carel H. D. R. van Gend; Sunil Chandra; Hannah L. Worters; Moloko Hlakola; Roufurd Julie

doi:10.1117/12.3018154

25 July 2024 The intelligent observatory

Stephen B. Potter, Nicolas Erasmus, Carel H. D. R. van Gend, Sunil Chandra, Hannah L. Worters, Moloko Hlakola, Roufurd Julie

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 13098, Observatory Operations: Strategies, Processes, and Systems X; 130980Y (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3018154
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2024, Yokohama, Japan

Abstract

The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) has launched a strategic upgrade program named the Intelligent Observatory (IO), aiming to advance SAAO into the so-called fourth industrial revolution. Over the past two years, this initiative has achieved a significant milestone: all three of SAAO’s primary telescopes have been upgraded to support remote operations from anywhere in the world, with one telescope now fully automated. This enhancement in operational capabilities significantly bolsters support for all scientific endeavors, especially in the domains of transient and time-domain science, the core focus areas of the IO. Moreover, these upgrades open new avenues for synergistic integration with other hosted telescopes on the Sutherland plateau, as well as with additional ground-based and space-based observatories. In our ongoing quest for efficiency and responsiveness, we are developing sophisticated algorithms capable of adapting observational strategies in real-time based on dynamic weather patterns. Additionally, the creation of a comprehensive science archive is underway, which will offer fully reduced data products from all telescopes and instruments.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Stephen B. Potter, Nicolas Erasmus, Carel H. D. R. van Gend, Sunil Chandra, Hannah L. Worters, Moloko Hlakola, and Roufurd Julie "The intelligent observatory", Proc. SPIE 13098, Observatory Operations: Strategies, Processes, and Systems X, 130980Y (25 July 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3018154

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