iTelescope
Currently used by more than 10,000 astronomers, iTelescope is probably the most developed service on the list. Signing up gets you access to a number of different reflectors and refractors, ranging from 3.5 inches to 27.5 inches in aperture and with varying focal lengths. Its sites are in the US, Spain and Australia, allowing you to enjoy the wonders of both northern and southern skies. All are situated in areas with little light pollution and good seeing conditions, and 70 per cent of nights are clear.
Though iTelescope is described as being ready for beginners and offers many tutorials, a basic knowledge of telescopes and astrophotography is helpful since the system allows you to alter almost all imaginable parameters yourself.
The costs for the service are reasonable as you are only charged for the time you actually take photos, and discounts of up to 50 per cent are offered when the Moon is bright. Various membership plans are available, starting from $19.95 per month. This gives you 20 ‘points’ to buy time on telescopes, with additional points available at a dollar each. Each telescope type will cost a certain amount of points – for example the T3, a Takahashi TOA-150, will cost 100 points per hour of imaging time.
Once the images are taken they are available in TIFF and FITs formats on iTelescope’s ftp server, or can be uploaded directly to your own cloud drive.
PROS: Many different telescopes and locations; full control and flexibility CONS: Interface requires practice; prior astrophotography experience recommended KEY INFO www.itelescope.net LOCATIONS: US (California & New Mexico), Spain, Australia (Siding Spring) EQUIPMENT: 18 telescopes; refractors and reflectors ranging from 3.5 to 27.5 inches PRICE: From $19.95; additional points cost $1/point