Europlanet Telescope Network

Europlanet Telescope Network

Ground-based observations play a significant role in the study of planets, exoplanets, planet-hosting stars, asteroids and comets. All planetary space missions need preparatory and follow-up ground-based observations. Many planetary science targets are relatively nearby and bright compared to other astronomical targets, but the scientific outcome of their observation often requires long-term monitoring (e.g., atmospheric activity of solar system planets), very precise timing (e.g. asteroids and comets), monitoring of exoplanet transits for detecting planetary systems, and many more. This combination of characteristics produces a unique set of challenges, as it matters both where on the Earth one observes from and precisely when. Medium- and small-size telescopes can implement a variety of fast-reaction and long-term projects and produce first-rate science.

New observatories
are welcome to join
the Europlanet
Telescope Network!

The Europlanet Telescope Network organises the cooperation of a network of medium and small telescopes to facilitate and coordinate observations related to different planetary and related science topics. We will alert appropriate facilities of opportunities, and ensure that suitably trained profesional and amateur observers are available.

The rolling call for funding is currently closed, however observers are welcome to contact the observatories and conduct observations. Majority of the network observatories are providing free of charge observing time for collaborative projects. Details about future opportunities will be published here regularly.

Europlanet Telescope Network currently unites 21 observatories with 32 telescopes in 16 countries and the Faulkes telescope network with 21 telescopes

Europlanet Telescope Network Observatories:

ObservatoryCountryTelescopesObservations
Byurakan Astrophysical ObservatoryArmenia2.6mImaging, spectroscopy
Rozhen ObservatoryBulgaria2m, 60cm, 50/70cmSpectroscopy, photometry
Faulkes Telescope Project (Las Cumbres Observatory)
Two 2m, nine 1m, ten 40 cmImaging
Terskol Peak ObservatoryUkraine2m, 60cmSpectroscopy, imaging
Kottamia Astronomical ObservatoryEgypt1.88m, 28cmImaging, spectroscopy, imaging- and spectro-polarimetry
Moletai Astronomical ObservatoryLithuania1.65m, 80cm, 35/51cmSpectroscopy, photometry
Danish 1.54 m telescope at ESO La Silla ObservatoryDenmark1.54mImaging, photometry
Tartu ObservatoryEstonia1.5m, 60cm, 30cmSpectroscopy, photometry
Skalnate Pleso ObservatorySlovakia1.3m, 61cmImaging, photometry
Calar Alto ObservatorySpain1.23mPhotometry
Baldone ObservatoryLatvia1.2mImaging, photometry
Kryoneri ObservatoryGreece1.2mFast-frame imaging
Pic du Midi ObservatoryFrance1.06mImaging
Konkoly ObservatoryHungary1m, 80cmImaging, photometry
Observatorio del TeideSpain82cm, 45cmImaging, photometry
Observatorio Astrofísico de JavalambreSpain80cmImaging, photometry
Observatori del MontsecSpain80cmSpectroscopy, photometry
Chuguev ObservatoryUkraine70cmImaging, photometry
Lisnyky Observation StationUkraine70cmImaging, photometry
Atlas Sky Observatory, Oukaimeden ObservatoryMorocco50cmImaging, photometry
Mahikeng Astronomical ObservatorySouth Africa50cmImaging, photometry
Beacon ObservatoryUnited Kingdom43cmImaging, photometry

Detailed information on telescopes, instruments, and observing possibilities is provided here.

Contacts:
Coordinator: Grazina Tautvaisiene, Vilnius University, Lithuania
grazina.tautvaisiene@tfai.vu.lt
Deputy Coordinator: Sarunas Mikolaitis, Vilnius University, Lithuania
sarunas.mikolaitis@tfai.vu.lt

Coordination of observations:

Planets
PVOL – Planetary Virtual Observatory & Laboratory is issuing planet observation alerts: pvol2.ehu.eus/pvol2

Exoplanets
ExoClock – a project to monitor transiting exoplanets: exoclock.space

Asteroids
Gaia Ground-based Observational Service for Asteroids: gaiagosa.eu

Find out more about the activities of the Europlanet Telescope Network funded through the Europlanet 2024 Research Infrastructure project (2020-2024).


Europlanet Telescope Network Events

Publications resulting from the Europlanet Telescope Network