Mark Slade Remote Observatory

Mark Slade Remote Observatory (MSRO) in Wilderness, Virginia, is a robotic research facility that lets trained users operate its telescopes from anywhere online.

About Mark Slade Remote Observatory

MSRO is run by the non-profit MSRO Science, Inc., with funding from the estate of Mark Slade, the Rappahannock Astronomy Club, and private donors.

Telescopes & research

Its primary instrument is a 6.5-inch FPL-53 165 air-spaced ED apochromatic refractor on a carbon-fibre tube, paired with a QHYCCD camera sensitive to magnitude 17 and a filter wheel; a secondary 4-inch FCD-100 102 air-spaced ED apochromatic refractor handles time-sensitive measurements. Both ride on a Losmandy G11 mount fitted with an Explore Scientific PMC-Eight system, which allows unguided five-minute exposures, alongside a high-speed video camera for lunar and planetary imaging. The observatory supports photometry, spectroscopy and astrometry work, including exoplanet transits, asteroid occultations, minor planet tracking, and variable star studies, operated remotely via desktop software and Maxim DL V6 Pro.

Location & getting there

The facility is based in Wilderness, Virginia, though its remote-operation design means most users interact with it online rather than in person.

Visiting Mark Slade Remote Observatory

Access runs through two tiers: Guest Observer, for online viewing, and Observer in Training, for supervised hands-on operation working toward independent use. Check MSRO Science's website for how to apply.

See your named star from here

A remote observatory like MSRO can be pointed at any set of coordinates on request - including those of a named star. Name a star or browse the catalogue of stars already registered.