Have you ever wanted to go stargazing, but just did not have the money, time, and nerve? The idea of lugging around heavy equipment and spending all night out in the open to observe stars not feasible for you? In the March 2010 edition of Sky & Telescope there is a great article written by Andy Macica discussing web based observatories (WBOs). WBOs can be rented and remote operated from the comfort of your own home through the Internet. You can even take pictures and download them to your computer.
Yep, that is right you just need a computer and Internet connection. (And a little money). Per Andy Macica, there are 4 companies offering WBO services listed in the article. You can check them out here:
SLOOH
Lightbuckets
Global Rent-a-scope
Cherry Mountain Observatory
Each of the four WBO's listed above have advantages and disadvantages. For example, SLOOH have these kits that you can purchase from any ToysRUs, Target, Barnes&Noble, and Amazon.com. These kits come with instructions and booklet and prepaid time on a telescope. SLOOH offers site in the Southern Hemisphere. However, all images taken through their telescopes are proprietary, meaning you can't sell them. The other 3 provide greater control and the photos and data collected are exlusively yours. The rates on rental varies with usage, but range around $30 - $50 per hour.
A pretty good deal considering that decent scopes range from $400 to $2000. That doesn't include driving to a dark sky site, bringing all your equipment along, setting up, staying up most of the night. And of course the weather. So if you would like to plan a stargazing party or just have fun with family or friends, this might be a great way to spend the night and see some stars.
Note: The photo is courtesy of Lightyear.