RAS is a virtual community of amateur and professional astronomers who use the world-wide facilities of Global Rent-A-Scope (GRAS) to gather scientific data. The staff of GRAS comprises the founder, Arnie Rosner and Brad Moore, a number of telescope owners who participate in the network.
Ed Wiley. Science Coordinator. Speciality: CCD measures of double stars, regular contributor to the Journal of Double Star Observations.
Bill Dillon. Science Advisor. Speciality: Variable stars, especially cataclysmic variables. Regular contributor to AAVSO. Other speciality: astrometry and minor planet observation, with regular contribution to the Minor Planet Center.
Through GRAS, we have access to world-class telescopes, cameras, mounts and filters, with telescopes that allow research from asteroid discovery and NEO confirmation to variable star photometry and double star measurements. Observers who perform research are given special rates that allow them to access the Mayhill New Mexico facilities for as little as $50/month. Researchers who require the facilities in Australia and Israel can also enjoy substantial discounts by purchasing a Global Passport and buying points at a substantial discount. The three basic plans are explained at our RAS Observatory web site.
RAS observers use their telescope time to collect scientific data. Some of these data are sent to such organizations as the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Minor Planet Center, the U.S. Naval Observatory, and the American Association of Variable Star Observers to be compiled for the use of professional astronomers in support of research projects ranging from identifying near Earth Asteroids (NEOs) to studies of Blazars. Some of these data are published in scientific journals by RAS astronomers while other data are sent to organizations like the American Association of Variable Star Observers and the Minor Planet Center to be used by professional astronomers and advanced amateurs.
Although $50/month and 120 points of telescope time does not sound like much, once the observer masters the telescope controls and scripting capabilites of the GRAS telescopes, a suprising amount of data can be collected. For example, Ed Wiley began at imaging at the $50/month rate and specialized in neglected double stars. In three months he was able to collect enough measure to submit a paper to the Journal of Double Star Observations. In August and September Ed used his time to follow the cataclismic variable V1060 Cygnus from its resting state through a complete outburst. Check out the observations at the AAVSO site, in "Pick a Star" type in V1060 Cyg and check "recent observations." Ed's code is WEY.
RASO is a remote, robotic, observatory. Members pay a subscription for access to the telescopes and other equipment. This puts professional-level telescopes within the reach of those who cannot afford to invest $50,000 in a telescope, much less an observatory under some of the darkest skies in North America and Australia (and Israel in the near future). RASO puts astronomical research and imaging within the grasp of anyone who is connected to the Internet, worldwide