Observing with Telescopes

Observing with Telescopes

1. Astronomers Use Local and Remote Telescopes

   • Most telescopes are computer controlled making most things easier
   • Telescopes can be programmed to track an object in the sky to make sure an astronomer does not have to be there at all times. Computer control is also very useful when astronomers are using a telescope to scan large areas of the sky in search for a particular object. This means that the position of the telescope has to be constantly repositioned to look at different areas of sky. Computer control also allows telescopes to be positioned more accurately. Astronomers like to put telescopes in remote locations. Astronomers may need to have many telescopes pointing in the same direction at the same time. Optical astronomers need it to be night and it is always night somewhere in the world so they can just a telescope there.

2. There might be other life in the universe