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abstract
New methods of practical astronomy are discussed. This includes the opportunities for using the Internet to move to observe from the dark side of the earth and the use of autonomous robotics techniques to have an instrument that is capable of performing as an assistant. These opportunities have been exploited in the development of the Bradford Robotic Telescope currently operating on the Pennines in the UK. The telescope design is discussed. The telescope is an autonomous robotic Alt-Az photometric system with 46cm Newtonian Optics and foci taken through the altitude bearings. The telescope can be controlled remotely from any point on the earth with Internet access. It can also accept observing requests submitted over the Internet. The operation of such a system is discussed and the opportunities it presents for much wider student and public access to real astronomical observations either directly or as evesdroppers.
