Organization

Director: E. O. (Ed) Wiley
Facilities and Operations: Arnie Rosner
Advisory Board: Arnie Rosner, William Dillon

Perched high on a mountain top plateau at 7300 feet, in the Sacramento Mountains of New Mexico lies the complex of instruments and systems that are home to the RAS Observatory.  This area enjoys approximately 250 nights a year of observing time; mostly at or below 1 arc second seeing conditions.

Outfitted with cutting edge technology and resources The RAS Observatory provides some of the most cost effective and efficient astronomical research facilities in the world. A 900 mile fiber optic cable connects the observatory network complex directly to the main internet backbone hub in San Diego, California. This vital link insures reliable internet connectivity. An auxiliary electric generating station assures continuous power in the event of a power outage.

The highest grade of complex optical, Electronic and CCD imaging instruments are integrated into a simple system that is easy to use with our unique browser interface; scripting capabilities are included.  Once an account is established and the user logged in, the observer assumes full control of the individual telescope system to perform any type of imaging or observing program imaginable.

The Remote Astronomical Society is an organization dedicated to advancing access to remote observing resources for the amateur astronomer. the Society has negotiated special research rates exclusively for members when using the RAS Observatory The RAS Observatory provides internet access to high-quality professional-grade robotic telescopes for professional and amateur research projects and public use. The RAS Observatory is located at high altitude under the darkest skies in New Mexico - these dark skies enhance viewing and photographing a wide variety of astronomical objects.

Please review some of the unique features only available by becoming a member of the Remote Astronomical Society. You can’t find these benefits anywhere else regardless of price:

• Numerous ideas for projects of real scientific merit.
• Members who are experts in most aspects of amateur astronomy.
• The opportunity to work as part of a multinational team on projects of mutual interest.
• Specialist newsgroups to offer assistance if required and to showcase your triumphs.
• Help and support from experienced authors when the time comes to publish your work in astronomical magazines or society journals.
• Special member discounts to access over a dozen telescopes each with different specifications and FOV’s
• The darkest skies in North America with imaging available on an average of 250 nights a year and using the highest quality equipment - telescopes, mounts and filters.
• Access to several systems in Australia and Israel

© RAS Observatory