Europlanet 2024 RI: Fostering the collaboration between professional and amateur astronomers

Grazina Tautvaisiene,Edyta Podlewska-Gaca,Guenter Kargl,Sarunas Mikolaitis,Ricardo Hueso,Itziar Garate-Lopez

doi:10.5194/epsc2022-651

Abstract

&lt;p&gt;The Europlanet 2024 Research Infrastructure (RI) provides free access to the world&amp;#8217;s largest collection of planetary simulation and analysis facilities, data services and tools, a ground-based observational network and programme of community support activities (https://www.europlanet-society.org/europlanet-2024-ri/).&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;A new collaboration between telescopes around the world has been launched in 2020 to provide coordinated observations and rapid responses in support of planetary research from space missions and in follow-ups of new events. The &lt;strong&gt;Europlanet Telescope Network (EPN-TN)&lt;/strong&gt; is providing professional and trained amateur observers with access to small and medium-sized telescopes located around the globe (https://www.europlanet-society.org/europlanet-2024-ri/telescope-network/).&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The EPN-TN currently comprises 16 observatories with 46 telescopes ranging from 40 cm to 2 m in size. The network can be accessed free of charge to carry out projects on a wide variety of scientific studies about the Solar System and exoplanets, as well as related astronomical investigations. The network is open for new infrastructures.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;The first scientific results achieved with EPN-TN were &amp;#160;presented at the Europlanet Telescope Network Science Meeting held on the 6-11 February, 2022. Among 210 participants from 43 countries, there were 80 amateur astronomers participating &amp;#160;(http://mao.tfai.vu.lt/europlanet2022/). The network aims to strengthen collaborations between professional and amateur astronomers, who are playing an increasingly important role in planetary research. Observing time applicants from amateur astronomers are very welcome.&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;We will overview the EPN-TN and its potential in fostering the collaboration between professional and amateur astronomers.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Acknowledgements&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Europlanet 2024 RI has received funding from the European Union&amp;#8217;s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 871149.&lt;/p&gt;

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