NASA Infrared Telescope Facility - Remote Observing

Remote Observing

The majority of IRTF users prefer to use IRTF remotely. Observers can use IRTF from any location with a high speed internet connection, such as their office or home, anywhere around the world. The observer controls the instrument via a VNC session, just as they would at the summit, and communicates with the telescope operator via phone, Polycom, or Skype. The observer calls in and logs in for their time allocation. Remote observing has several advantages. Remote observing spares the observer from the time and cost of traveling from their home institution to Hawaii. In the past, when observers traveled to the telescope, the telescope was scheduled in full nights. With remote observing, observers only need to submit a request for the amount of time they need, when they need it, instead of asking for whole nights. Since the observers do not travel to Hawaii, they can also request to use the telescope more frequently. This has enabled the IRTF to support many programs where frequent observations of targets are necessary, such as weekly monitoring of solar system objects. Remote observing has also allowed the IRTF to support target of opportunity (ToO) programs. These are programs of high scientific merit but where the timing of the observation cannot be predicted at the time that telescope is scheduled. Examples include supernovae, which explode unexpectedly, or near-earth asteroids that may be discovered shortly before their closest approach to the Earth. Although the observers are usually remote, the telescope operator is at the summit to ensure the safety of the facility, assist the observer, and trouble shoot problems that may arise during the night.