Global Rent-a-Scope

Navigation Menu

Research @ Global Rent-a-Scope

Global Rent A Scope brings together 8 research grade telescopes from around the world in three time zones and two hemispheres providing unprecedented research opportunities to the amateur and professional astronomer.

View a video demonstration.

At Global Rent A Scope you can choose to work alone on your own projects or become a member of the Remote Astronomical Society Observatory (RASO) and work with a team of researchers.

Remote Astronomical Society

Remote Astronomical Society Observatory

What is Remote Astronomical Society Observatory?

The Remote Astronomical Society Observatory (RASO) was founded to promote research in astronomy by offering state-of-the-art equipment to amateurs astronomers, educational organizations and professionals at low cost.

RASO is located under the darkest skies in New Mexico, near the Apache Point Observatory, home of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and the Astrophysical Research Consortium. RASO provides the tools you need to fulfill your desire to contribute to astronomical research. And, it’s not all work. Take the astrophotographs of your dreams in between solving the mysteries of the universe.

RASO caters to the beginning astronomer and visual observers who wish to try their hand at CCD imaging by providing detailed guides to the equipment. Beginners are expected to spend most of their telescope time to learn CCD imaging and many make the decision to stick with taking "pretty pictures." However, once mastered many wish to move on to contribute to astronomical research. Our commitment is reflected in our "contract" that assures our research partners of independence and freedom to pursue their research projects without interference from, but with the assistance of, the RASO.

Many RASO Observers have their own telescopes and even permanent observatories. So, why do they perform their research at RASO? First, they have access to equipment beyond their individual means. Second, they can collect data very efficiently, saving the "fun stuff" for their backyard observatories. Many RASO observers are armed only with binoculars and small portable "grab-and-go" telescopes. Some are confined to large cities without dark skies, some are handicapped. The power of the Internet allows these observers opportunities to explore the heavens and become research scientists.

What is the relationship between Global Rent A Scope and RASO?

Global Rent A Scope provides Remote Astronomical Society Observatory members with access to our Global Telescope network. We have tailors science plans that can be purchased at a discounted rate once your are a member of RASO community.

Research at RASO

Professional astronomers want your research.
Be a research scientist.
It doesn't require a large time commitment.

Research Opportunities

Hunt or measure asteroids, comets and Kuiber Belt objects with the Minor Planet Center.
Study variable stars with the AASVO.
Study Blazars, Gamma Ray Bursts and Polars (binary systems with flaring highly-magnetic white dwarfs).
Contribute to the Washington Double Star Catalogue and the Astrophysics of Binary Systems by Measuring Neglected Double Stars.