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A.T. Tokunaga, S. J. Bus, T. Denault, M. Hawarden-Ogata (IfA, Univ. of Hawaii)
Although remote observations are widely practiced at observatories, the IRTF has recently implemented an approach that allows greater freedom in meeting user needs. Observations at the IRTF can now be supported from sites on the Big Island of Hawaii (Hilo or the mid-level facility) as well as sites anywhere in the world virtually without restriction. Observations are supported throughout the US and even to Paris, France. User requirements are modest: a unix workstation for controlling the instrument and a laptop for communications. For solar system observations, remote observing has been successfully used for synoptic observations (as short as one hour) and programs requiring a number of short observations spread over a semester. In some cases the option to work at sea level rather than the summit of Mauna Kea is essential for health reasons. Further information can be found at: http://irtfweb.ifa.hawaii.edu/userSupport/remote_obs/. We believe this the most flexible remote observing available at any observatory. We acknowledge the support of NASA Cooperative Agreement NCC 5-538.
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 35 #4
© 2003. The American Astronomical Soceity.