Remote observatories are facilities that house astrophotography equipment in dark-sky locations. Users can control the telescope remotely via the Internet.
This means users can capture images without needing to be on-site. Whether you’re operating your own gear that’s been shipped to the facility or booking time on high-end equipment provided by the observatory, remote setups offer a flexible solution.
Remote observatories provide great conditions for deep-sky astrophotography for those who want to maximize their imaging time without worrying about weather or travel. However, while the convenience is great, the cost and lack of hands-on access to your equipment can be a downside—especially for those who prefer a more tactile, in-person experience.
In this post, we’ll dive into the world of remote observatories. We will discuss the pros and cons, the essential gear you’ll need, and a rundown of the 7 most popular remote facilities in the United States. Whether you’re looking to expand your astrophotography options or just curious about what’s required, this guide will cover everything you need to know.
The 7 Best Remote Observatories
- Utah Desert Remote Observatories
- Starfront Observatories
- iTelescope
- Deep Sky West
- Sierra Remote Observatories
- Telescope Live
- Astronomy Acres
How Do They Work?
Remote observatories offer various services, each catering to different needs in the astrophotography community.
Some observatories provide monthly pier rentals, where you can mount and remotely operate your own telescope and equipment. In this case, you either bring your gear to the observatory or ship it to the site, where a technician will set everything up for you. If you choose to ship, be sure to pack your equipment carefully to avoid damage and ensure that you’ve included all necessary components to run your setup remotely.
Other observatories offer remote telescope access through a monthly subscription. These services typically include access to professional-grade equipment or the option to download pre-captured astrophotography data for those who prefer to focus on processing.
Curious to see the most popular setup at Starfront Observatories? High Point Scientific sells it as a Package Deal.
What Gear Do You Need?
Since you aren’t there to adjust your gear or refocus your telescope or camera, several key pieces of equipment are required to ensure smooth operation from a distance.
- Optical Tube Assembly (OTA): the main telescope component. Without the ability to switch out your telescope, the aperture size you select will be important.
- Cameras: a CCD or CMOS camera specifically designed for astrophotography. You will also need a guide camera for the auto-guiding system to correct small tracking errors during long exposures.
- Filter wheel/Filters: if you are imaging with a monochrome camera, you will also need a filter wheel/filters to build your colour image. This includes narrowband filters like H-alpha, OIII, SII for specific wavelengths.
- Mount: an equatorial mount that tracks celestial objects is critical. It will need to support the weight of your telescope and all the accessories, while providing optimal autoguiding.
- Auto-guiding System: a guide scope or off-axis guider is need to pair with the guide camera to ensure the telescope tracks objects accurately over long exposures.
- Computer/Software: on-site computer is needed to control your telescope, mount, camera and other devices. Programs like NINA to control imaging sessions, focus, and filter changes. You will also need plate solving software and remote control software like TeamViewer or AnyDesk for accessing the on-site computer remotely.
- Focuser: a motorized focuser is needed for automated focus adjustments during sessions.
- Accessories: high-quality cables, remote power switch, ethernet switch, small UPS backup battery, flat panel
Bray Falls’ Remote Setup at Starfront Observatories
Benefits of Remote Observatories
Remote observatories can make a lot of sense for those who are fed up with localized light pollution, constant cloud cover or weather-related events ruining their local skies.
Using a remote observatory might solve a lot of problems for you, including:
- Access to Dark Skies: Remote observatories are often located in places with little to no light pollution, providing better imaging conditions than many people’s home locations.
- Convenience: If you don’t have a backyard, this can be a way for you to have your equipment setup without having to worry about storage or security. Plus, it’s always set up, giving you more clear sky time.
- Time-Saving: sessions can be automated, allowing for imaging even when you’re not unavailable or during adverse weather at home.
- Optimal Conditions: The locations are selected for stable weather, low humidity, and minimal atmospheric turbulence.
Image of nebulae in Vela taken under Bortle 3 skies.
Downside of Remote Observatories
If you’ve ever heard Trevor talk about using a remote observatory, you know they aren’t our preferred method for astrophotography. This isn’t to say that we don’t understand the benefits of using a remote observatory, but for us, it’s all about the experience.
The ritual of setting up our gear and being out under the stars is part of what we enjoy about the hobby. So, while we might become more frustrated waiting for clear nights to grace our skies, the chance to get out there and savor and enjoy those moments is much more special to us.
Setting up astrophotography gear in the backyard
With that being said, here are some downsides to using a remote observatory.
- Limited Hands-On Experience: Remote operation may reduce the personal, hands-on connection with the equipment and the night sky.
- Cost: While remote observatories offer convenience, the associated subscription or rental fees can be expensive, especially for premium sites.
- Equipment Constraints: Users might be limited by the observatory’s equipment availability if they do not ship their own gear, and setting up personal equipment remotely requires careful planning.
- Learning Curve: Operating a remote observatory and troubleshooting issues remotely can require a higher level of technical knowledge.
Most Popular Remote Observatories
Remote observatories seem to be growing in popularity. We thought it would be helpful to break down the most popular remote observatories in (or based in) the United States, including their services and cost structure.
These are listed in no particular order.
1) Utah Desert Remote Observatories
- City/State: Southwest Utah
- Bortle Class: 2
- Cost Structure: Pier rentals start at $800 USD per month for a one-year lease, $70 per hour for hourly telescope rental
- Service Summary: Pier rental, hourly rental, and/or monthly rental, on-site tech support
Utah Desert Remote Observatories
Utah Desert Remote Observatories is a family-owned remote observatory located 130 miles Northeast of Las Vegas. It offers remote setups with optimized southern views and three different service options.
Pier rentals start at $800 USD for a 40″ radius and include fiber optic high-speed internet and on-site 24/7 support (2 hours per month of basic support). Custom steel piers ($400 USD) and basic installation ($1,000 USD) are additional charges. However, you can also come and install your own setup.
Their hourly rental rate is $70 for the first hour. This includes a ZWO ASI6200MC or ASI6200MM dedicated astronomy camera on a Takahashi FSQ106 or PlaneWave CDK12.5. For an additional cost, they can help with stacking/calibrating and processing the image.
The monthly rental includes time on their 16″ Dream Astrograph f/3.75 imaging system using Voyager or NINA.
2) Starfront Observatories
- City/State: Brady, Texas
- Bortle Class: 1
- Cost Structure: Pier rentals range from $149 USD – $999 USD
- Service Summary: Minimal light pollution, on-site tech support, pier options starting at $149 USD
Starfront Remote Observatories
Like other observatories, they are located in areas with minimal light pollution, providing dark skies ideal for astrophotography. Members receive on-site tech support, fibre internet, 200+ nights of clear skies, and climate-controlled buildings.
They are unique in that they offer remote imaging for a lower price than other remote observatories. They offer 4 pier options, with the cheapest option starting at $149 USD per month.
- Pier Mini: Up to a max 32″ swing diameter and no motorized flat panel for $149
- Pier Lite: Up to a max 48″ swing diameter for $199
- Pier Standard: Up to a max 58″ swing diameter for $299
- Pier Heavy: Up to a max 72″ swing diameter for $999
Your reservation deposit covers the installation fee, and the monthly pier rental fee includes one telescope. Additional costs include advanced tech support ($50/hour) or accessories purchased from Starfront.
3) iTelescope
- City/State/Country: USA, Australia, Chile, Spain, La Palma
- Bortle Class: N/A
- Cost Structure: Monthly fee, plus additional fees for premium telescope rentals
- Service Summary: Rented telescope time based on membership level, downloadable data
iTelescope Observatory
iTelescope is a non-profit organization that represents a network of telescopes that members of the public can reserve in advance or use on demand. Once complete, your image files will be transmitted from the telescope to a digital server for download.
They offer large aperture telescopes to wide field systems, LRGB or Narrowband for astrophotography. Their equipment is also used for science and research on photometry, exo-planets, comets, asteroids etc.
Your monthly membership, which ranges from $40 to $160 USD, includes access to their free telescopes, premium image sets and webinars and masterclasses. They also provide five plan options, which include varying levels of telescope options, benefits, cloud storage.
Time on their affordable or premium telescopes is an additional fee on top of your monthly fee, for all 5 plans.
- Plan 40: ‘free’ telescope use, 2+ hours of image sets, 10 GB of cloud storage, 8 hour reservation allowance for $39.95 USD per month,
- Plan 90: ‘free’ telescope use, 3+ hours of image sets, 20 GB of cloud storage, 9 hour reservation allowance for $89.95 USD per month
- Plan 160: ‘free’ telescope use, 10+ hours of premium image sets, 40 GB of cloud storage, 12 hour reservation allowance for $159.95 USD
- Plan 290: ‘free’ telescope use, 10+ hours of premium image sets, 60 GB of cloud storage, 14 hour reservation allowance for $289.95 USD
- Plan 490: ‘free’ telescope use, 10+ hours of premium image sets, 80 GB of cloud storage, 16 hour reservation allowance for $489.95.
4) Deep Sky West
- City/State: Rowe, New Mexico; Chile
- Bortle Class: 3 / NA
- Cost Structure: Monthly fee ($800 USD) for pier rental, single payment ($1,500) for use of their remote imaging systems
- Service Summary: High altitude observatory, pier rental and rented telescope time for a subscription fee
Deep Sky West Observatory
Deep Sky West is a remote astrophotography observatory situated at 7,400 ft. near Rowe, New Mexico. Based on their location, they offer astrophotographers access to 220+ clear nights.
Rent space for your own equipment for a monthly fee of $800 USD. They can assist with installation if you’re not available to do so in person, they charge a fee to do set-up and testing. According to their website, most do their own installations and there is someone present to provide support.
The other option is to subscribe to one of their four remote imaging systems to make target selections. All members participate in the target selection process and the data is shared among the team members, with final images belonging to the processor. This service is available for an annual subscription fee, starting at $1,500 USD.
5) Sierra Remote Observatories
- City/State: Auberry, California
- Bortle Class: 3
- Cost Structure: Monthly fee (starting at $800 USD)
- Service Summary: Private, shared, and custom observatories and hosting services
Sierra Remote Observatories
Sierra Remote Observatories (SRO) provides hosting services for remotely operated telescopes west of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It has been in operation since 2007 and boasts a unique combination of infrastructure accessibility, exceptional seeing, clear nights, mild weather, and location.
The site is available year-round and is a one-hour drive from the Fresno-Yosemite International Airport.
Hosting service packages include the pier, power (with generator backup), fiber optic internet (with Starlink backup), network services, telemetry services, and on-site support (two free hours per month). They also offer telescope rentals for long-term use and are affiliated with iTelescope.
They assist you with your installation or install your telescope for you without additional charge. Their full-time service technicians are on-site 365 days a year. Depending on your needs, they also offer on-site machine shop and crane services.
6) Telescope Live
- City/State/Country: El Sauce Observatory, Chile; IC Astronomy Observatory, Spain; Heaven’s Mirror Observatory, Australia
- Bortle Class: N/A
- Cost Structure: Monthly fee, utilize a credit system within their subscription plans
- Service Summary: Rented telescope time based on membership level, downloadable data
Telescope Live is a service that offers remote access to a global network of professional-grade telescopes. It caters to astrophotographers and researchers who want access to high-quality images without owning or operating their own telescope.
There are two levels of service provided. One-Click Observations are image sets obtained from their global network of telescopes made available to you. Based on your subscription plan, you can browse and download raw data or fully calibrated images ready to process. Advanced Requests are typically used for expert observers and researchers, allowing you full control over your observations to obtain high-quality raw images.
They use a credit system to access these service levels. For more information on how credits transfer to the length of the telescope’s duration, visit their website.
- Bronze: 5 credits per month, access to standard tutorials for $8 per month.
- Silver: 20 credits per month, access to premium tutorials, and access to your personal image archive for $32 per month.
- Gold: 50 credits per month, access to premium tutorials, access to your personal image archive, discount on advanced requests for $79 per month.
- Platinum: 100 credits per month, access to personal image archive, prioritized advanced requests, suggest future observations, discount on advanced requests for $159 per month.
- Diamond: 250 credits per month, access to personal image archive, suggest future observations for $399 per month.
7) Astronomy Acres
- City/State: Near Rodeo, New Mexico
- Bortle Class: 2
- Cost Structure: Monthly fee ($500 USD) for pier rental
- Service Summary: Dark skies, mid-range pier rental fees, option for self installation
Astronomy Acres
Astronomy Acres is a remote observatory located near the Arizona border in New Mexico, just north of Rodeo.
Pier rentals are $500 USD per month for a minimum of 6 months, which you can reserve for $250 USD. This is applied to your first month’s rent once your equipment is installed. Each setup is provided with power and internet access through a private Ethernet connection, secured by a Next-Generation firewall for top-level protection.
You are welcome to bring your equipment to the site to install with the help of their staff, or ship your equipment to the site. There is space for a tripod or pier, depending on how you’d like to mount your telescope – custom piers can also be provided for an additional charge.
Conclusion
Remote observatories aren’t for everyone, and there are definite pros and cons to consider.
On the plus side, they’re an excellent option for many astrophotographers, offering a hassle-free, ready-to-go solution that maximizes clear sky time. For those without a backyard, limited storage, or infrequent access to dark skies, remote setups provide a way to enjoy the hobby without many of the usual constraints.
Outside with the Redcat 51 and AM3 under Bortle 3 skies
However, for us, a big part of the joy in astrophotography comes from the hands-on process—setting up our gear, being out under the stars, and embracing the rituals of the night. As a beginner, I’ve also found that the repetition of physically setting up my equipment has been invaluable in fine-tuning my routine and learning the intricacies of my gear.
Ultimately, everyone’s needs are different, and remote observatories cater to those who want more frequent access to clear dark skies. It’s all about finding the balance that works best for your own experience of the hobby.
Ashley is an environmental educator, communication professional, and astrophotographer. She has extensive experience writing for diverse audiences to increase public awareness and engagement. Ashley is an active Advocate and Delegate with DarkSky International, helping to protect the nighttime environment from the harmful effects of light pollution through advocacy and outreach.