Remote operation of the CHARA Array via the Internet

摘要

A remote operations center for Georgia State University's Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy (CHARA) Array is in the final stages of implementation on the university campus in Atlanta GA. Several technological considerations were incorporated into the overall design including a secure network infrastructure with an acceptable end-to-end latency, a control room replete with appropriate computing and projection systems, an efficient client-server model, and a data archival system. Although independent of the local weather, remote operations have practical considerations, such as routine preparations requiring on-site personnel and the observation of astronomical targets with celestial coordinates appropriate to the Local Sidereal Time (LST) and U-V plane coverage of the array.