Training the Next Generation with Visiting Instruments

Earlier this year, as part of a scheduled run of the 'Alopeke speckle instrument at Gemini North, Elliott Horch and his students at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) participated in a test of the remote observing capability of the camera. From the new astronomy control room in the science building on their campus, they logged on to the 'Alopeke control computer through a secure Virtual Network Computing (VNC) connection and were able to see and control the instrument Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) to take date in real time. A Skype connection was used to communicate with the telescope operator and the observers in the Hilo Base Facility control room so that staff there could select and point the telescope to the designated targets. Although that occasion was just a test to see how well the system would work, it was a success, and the team at SCSU is looking forward to participating in more remote ‘Alopeke observations in the future. “It is a great way for students at SCSU to take part in observing at one of the world's largest telescopes and still get to class the next day!” said Elliott Horch who led the event.

Elliott Horch (left) joins his students (left to right) Nicole Granucci, Rick Hahne, and Sam Weiss during a remote observing session with Gemini North. Also on hand is Bill van Altena, emeritus professor of astronomy at Yale University (right).