Can the public observe real-time with Kitt Peak Telescopes?
To address the idea of “real-time” astronomy, the raw data that astronomers take in the course of their observations are in general not very exciting or informative. For example, there are many modes of observation and most of them do not involve an image of the data that is being taken. The science does not take place at the telescope. Observing at a telescope is less than 1 percent of an astronomer’s work – the data reduction that leads to scientific discoveries and papers takes many months, if not years of work. Showing raw data (even if there is something to show) does not really give the public a sense of “what astronomers are doing.” It’s important to remember that non-interference with the work of the astronomers is key to the success of any public program. Astronomers compete for time on these telescopes, and every minute of the night is spent observing. They will only get a few nights to perform their research. Weather, instrument problems and other difficulties can easily cut
