Lightbuckets
Lightbuckets provides a similar service to iTelescope, but is limited to one location in the French Alps. Luckily, this region has low light pollution and good seeing conditions.
Its available telescopes range from a 4.3-inch apochromatic refractor to a 32.3-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain. You can choose between two operating modes, full control and easy imaging. The first allows you to adjust all necessary parameters yourself, while the latter is geared towards beginners: users select the object they want to photograph using the built-in SkyView planetarium software and determine the level of detail desired. The system then automatically chooses parameters and takes the photo, though you do have a choice between colour or monochrome. In both cases, the results taken can be downloaded from the Lightbuckets’ servers in the RAW format.
Lightbuckets is not recommended for planetary, lunar or solar photography. The CCD cameras mounted on its telescopes have been particularly chosen for faint deep-sky objects, and Solar System bodies will be too bright.
At the time we used this service, its website made frequent references to a now defunct site in New Mexico and did not list some information – such as the rates – until after we had registered. However, customer service is available seven days a week via email or Skype. Prices for using the telescopes start from $1 per point, with individual telescopes costing between 30 and 120 points per hour.
PROS: Easy imaging mode is a good starting point for getting into remote astronomy CONS: Website not up to date; lack of information until after registering KEY INFO www.lightbuckets.com LOCATION: France EQUIPMENT: Five telescopes; refractors and reflectors ranging from 4.3 to 32.3 inches PRICE: $1/point; telescopes available from 30 points/hour