Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network

Las Cumbres Observatory is a global network of telescopes at seven different locations that work together as an integrated system for continuous astronomical observations. The network includes two large 2-meter telescopes, several 1-meter telescopes, and smaller 40-centimeter instruments that all operate in coordination.

The observatory was founded in 1993 to give universities and researchers access to advanced telescope technology. Since its beginning, the network has grown into an international system that lets scientists observe astronomical events from anywhere in the world.

The observatory network allows researchers around the world to conduct remote-controlled observations and investigate time-dependent astronomical phenomena. This collaboration connects scientists from different institutions and makes advanced telescope technology accessible for a wide range of research purposes.

The telescopes at the different locations can be controlled remotely by researchers at their home institutions without requiring physical travel. This distributed arrangement also means observations can happen around the clock since different times of day occur at the various sites.

The organization draws its greatest strength from having telescopes distributed across locations that operate through different weather conditions and time zones, minimizing downtime from cloud cover. This allows scientists to observe when the sky is unfavorable at their own location by simply switching to another observatory on a different continent.