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:
| Observatory | Country | Telescopes | Observations |
| Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory | Armenia | 2.6m | Imaging, spectroscopy |
| Rozhen Observatory | Bulgaria | 2m, 60cm, 50/70cm | Spectroscopy, photometry |
| Faulkes Telescope Project (Las Cumbres Observatory) | Two 2m, nine 1m, ten 40 cm | Imaging | |
| Terskol Peak Observatory | Ukraine | 2m, 60cm | Spectroscopy, imaging |
| Kottamia Astronomical Observatory | Egypt | 1.88m, 28cm | Imaging, spectroscopy, imaging- and spectro-polarimetry |
| Moletai Astronomical Observatory | Lithuania | 1.65m, 80cm, 35/51cm | Spectroscopy, photometry |
| Danish 1.54 m telescope at ESO La Silla Observatory | Denmark | 1.54m | Imaging, photometry |
| Tartu Observatory | Estonia | 1.5m, 60cm, 30cm | Spectroscopy, photometry |
| Skalnate Pleso Observatory | Slovakia | 1.3m, 61cm | Imaging, photometry |
| Calar Alto Observatory | Spain | 1.23m | Photometry |
| Baldone Observatory | Latvia | 1.2m | Imaging, photometry |
| Kryoneri Observatory | Greece | 1.2m | Fast-frame imaging |
| Pic du Midi Observatory | France | 1.06m | Imaging |
| Konkoly Observatory | Hungary | 1m, 80cm | Imaging, photometry |
| Observatorio del Teide | Spain | 82cm, 45cm | Imaging, photometry |
| Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre | Spain | 80cm | Imaging, photometry |
| Observatori del Montsec | Spain | 80cm | Spectroscopy, photometry |
| Chuguev Observatory | Ukraine | 70cm | Imaging, photometry |
| Lisnyky Observation Station | Ukraine | 70cm | Imaging, photometry |
| Atlas Sky Observatory, Oukaimeden Observatory | Morocco | 50cm | Imaging, photometry |
| Mahikeng Astronomical Observatory | South Africa | 50cm | Imaging, photometry |
| Beacon Observatory | United Kingdom | 43cm | Imaging, 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
