Top remote and private observatories for astronomy and astrophotography
- Thomas McCrorie
- Mar 31
- 4 min read
Using a remote imaging setup or private observatory to capture images of the night sky can be a great thing for the hobby of astronomy and astrophotography, more so if you live in an area with lots of inhibiting weather conditions or terrible viewing conditions, but it can have some drawbacks too. Some offer the facility to send your own telescope setup out there and some have their own setups too. Let's dive in...
United States
Siding Spring Observatory (SSO), New Mexico
Best for: Deep-sky astrophotography, long exposure imaging
Why it’s good: Located in a high-altitude, arid region, SSO benefits from stable seeing conditions and minimal light pollution. The facility hosts professional-grade telescopes and imaging equipment.
Drawbacks: Limited access for amateur astronomers and high rental costs.
Deep Sky West, New Mexico
Best for: Wide-field imaging, photometric studies
Why it’s good: Offers access to some of the best skies in North America with excellent seeing and transparency. Provides a range of telescope options for different imaging needs.
Drawbacks: Subscription fees can be expensive for long-term use.
Telescope Live (Sierra Remote Observatory, California)
Best for: Advanced astrophotographers, research-grade imaging
Why it’s good: Hosts a network of powerful telescopes accessible online, ideal for capturing high-resolution deep-space objects.
Drawbacks: Weather can occasionally be unpredictable, affecting session availability.
iTelescope.Net (Multiple locations, including California and New Mexico)
Best for: Flexible, on-demand astrophotography
Why it’s good: A global network of remote telescopes with a variety of focal lengths and sensor capabilities. Ideal for those looking to capture different types of celestial objects.
Drawbacks: Some locations have limited availability during peak seasons.
SkyPi Remote Observatory, New Mexico
Best for: High-quality deep-sky imaging, robotic automation
Why it’s good: Offers excellent dark skies and a range of advanced imaging equipment with automated scheduling capabilities.
Drawbacks: Initial setup and learning curve for remote operation.
Europe
El Sauce Observatory, Spain
Best for: Southern hemisphere imaging, high-resolution astrophotography
Why it’s good: Offers premium imaging opportunities with high-altitude and stable atmospheric conditions.
Drawbacks: More expensive than some other remote observatories.
Observatori Astronòmic Albanyà, Spain
Best for: Planetary and deep-sky imaging
Why it’s good: Excellent Mediterranean seeing conditions and well-equipped with powerful telescopes and imaging cameras.
Drawbacks: Can be affected by humidity during certain seasons.
ICRAR Remote Observatory, Canary Islands
Best for: Research-grade and public access imaging
Why it’s good: Located at high altitude, reducing atmospheric turbulence. Regularly used by professional astronomers.
Drawbacks: More suited to structured projects rather than casual astrophotography.
Telescope Live (Chile and Spain locations)
Best for: Access to professional equipment for various imaging projects
Why it’s good: Offers a combination of wide-field and high-magnification options, making it suitable for all types of astrophotography.
Drawbacks: Subscription-based model might not suit occasional users.
OASI Remote Observatory, Italy
Best for: Amateur astrophotographers looking for European access
Why it’s good: Located in an area with minimal light pollution and well-integrated with imaging software for remote control.
Drawbacks: Weather conditions can be variable compared to higher-altitude sites.
Private observatories throughout the world –
Al Sadeem Astronomy - UAE
Al Sadeem Astronomy is a privately-owned company registered in The Department of Economic Development in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) that aims to make astronomy accessible to everyone.
Since 2016, Al Sadeem Astronomy has made astronomy accessible to all walks of life from the outskirts of the Abu Dhabi
The Al Sadeem Observatory is home to three powerful telescopes that are used for research and astrophotography a fully-automated, high-powered 16-inch Meade LX850 telescope. In addition to Stellina and Vespera, two revolutionary smart telescopes developed and manufactured by French company Vaonis.
It is located in a private farm in Al Wathba, which is an ideal place to stargaze–not too far enough from the city, but not too close that the city lights could spoil the observation.
Since its completion in 2016, the Observatory has been instrumental in promoting space and astronomy across the country. A notable activity was Al Sadeem Observatory’s coverage of the July 27, 2018 total lunar eclipse, which was live streamed by NASA.
At present, Al Sadeem Observatory offers paid guided tours and stargazing experience to individuals who wish to cultivate their curiosity about space and astronomy.
Hellas-Sky – Southern Greece
Hellas-Sky is a premier remote observatory service that provides astrophotographers with access to high-quality telescopes under pristine dark skies in Greece.
Whether you're a beginner or an advanced astrophotographer, the platform allows you to remotely control professional-grade equipment, capture stunning deep-sky images, and process data from some of the best observing locations in Europe.
With a focus on reliability and top-tier optical systems, Hellas-Sky makes deep-space imaging accessible without the need for personal telescope setups, offering a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the cosmos.
Some advantages and Disadvantages
of Remote Observatories
Advantages
Consistent Imaging Conditions
Access to dark skies and stable weather patterns improves image quality significantly.
High-Quality Equipment
Most remote observatories house professional-grade telescopes and imaging sensors.
Time Efficiency:
Removes the need for travel and allows imaging while being in a different location or time zone.
Global Access:
Enables imaging of objects not visible from an observer’s home location.
Disadvantages
Cost:
Renting time on a remote observatory can be expensive, especially for long-term projects.
Disconnect:
You might feel that you are not really connected to your equipment anymore and taking images of deep sky objects becomes transactional. A lot of amateur astronomers love the hands-on approach to using their own equipment at home.
Limited Control:
Unlike personal setups, there may be restrictions on customising equipment or settings.
Learning Curve:
Some remote platforms require knowledge of advanced software and automation. Check this out before you embark on sending your whole rig to a remote site.
Weather and Technical Failures:
Despite optimal locations, occasional weather disruptions or technical issues can impact imaging sessions.
Remote observatories provide an invaluable resource for astrophotographers seeking high-quality imaging opportunities without the challenges of local weather and light pollution. While they come with costs and learning curves, they offer unparalleled access to some of the best skies on Earth. Whether you are a hobbyist looking to capture deep-sky wonders or a researcher conducting long-term studies, remote observatories offer a practical and powerful solution for astrophotography enthusiasts.
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