The latest technological advances and the incorporation of new materials have made it possible to develop, in recent years, a set of low-cost equipment and facilities within the reach of any pocket. Today, we can all directly access the incredible mysteries of our universe.
The new autonomous amateur telescopes allow, through user-friendly software, to operate this sophisticated equipment (and even remotely, just by having an internet connection). The new cameras that they incorporate help to capture professional images and of a quality that is situated in the scientific rank. These devices are joined by the new generation of autonomous astronomical observatories, thus giving way to the new robotic astrophysics.
In a similar way to a smartphone , robotic astrophysics has many tools that allow surprising work to be done. The precise and spectacularly beautiful images that can be captured, the sidereal tracking of the stars and even the taking of spectra of these same objects (behind which the chemical nature of our cosmos hides), are just some of the examples of the wide possibilities offered by these teams.
In addition, these can be complemented with scientific initiatives: detection of fireballs and meteors, double stars, detection of supernovae and even space debris tracking. In fact, it is very normal for amateur observatories to become associated with professional observatories to complement research work.
Astrophysics is an experimental science, which applies physics to the study of the stars in our universe. As a consequence, it has always been characterized by being at the forefront of the main technical advances (lenses, digital photography, communications, and even machine learning ).
Astrophysics and space exploration have always gone hand in hand. In recent times we are living a new golden stage in the space race live , starring space tourism (Richard Branson, Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, etc.), the exponential increase in artificial satellite launches for new geolocation projects (like the Galileo system of the European Space Agency) or telecommunications (Starlink). Nor can we forget the ambitious project of sending a human being to Mars.
Having the necessary technical means to observe our universe is no longer a luxury and it is within everyone’s reach, especially today, that information and regulated training are available that allows one to be thoroughly trained in the latest techniques and advances in astronomy.
The feeling of looking at the sky with autonomy and independence, from your own observatory and using your equipment, is indescribable. Those of us who were lucky enough to get started in astronomy from a beginner level in their day, we can only say that this experience has brought us countless good moments and unforgettable sensations.
Dr. Francisco Espartero Briceño, Academic Director of the Master’s Degree in Astrophysics and Astronomical Observation Techniques at the International University of La Rioja (UNIR) and Executive Director of ECS Engineering & Astrophysics.
