APUS Telescope Joins Skynet Robotic Telescope Network

Rhea-AI Summary

American Public University System (APUS) has announced that its 24-inch research grade telescope at the Dr. Wallace E. Boston Observatory will join the Skynet Robotic Telescope Network, operated by the University of North Carolina. As the first online university in this network, APUS students and faculty will gain access to over a dozen premier global observatories, including the 20-meter radio telescope at Green Bank Observatory and facilities in Australia.

The partnership will integrate National Science Foundation and DoD STEM-funded Skynet labs into future astronomy courses, providing students with hands-on experience in observational astronomy. The network includes notable facilities such as Morehead Observatory, Dark Sky Observatory, and international locations in Chile and Poland.

Positive

• First online university to join elite global telescope network, expanding educational resources
• Access granted to over dozen premier global observatories and telescopes
• Integration of NSF and DoD STEM-funded labs enhancing curriculum value

Negative

• None.

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Elite Global Online Telescope Network Brings the Universe Closer to Students, Researchers

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., March 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- American Public University System (APUS) is over the moon to announce its 24-inch research grade telescope at the Dr. Wallace E. Boston Observatory in Charles Town, W.V. will now be a shining star in one of the world's largest online telescope networks, Skynet Robotic Telescope Network.

Operated by the University of North Carolina (UNC), Skynet connects professional astronomers, students, and the general public to cutting-edge observational tools across the cosmos. APUS is the first online university to participate in this stellar network, marking a historic milestone for both the institution and its space studies program.

"This partnership with Skynet is truly out of this world," said Dr. Brian Freeland, Dean of the School of STEM and School of Health Sciences at APUS. "It supercharges our Space Studies program, giving our students experience with several notable world-class telescopes and allowing them to explore the universe like never before."

This collaboration enables the University's students and faculty members to access over a dozen other premier global observatories and telescopes, including the massive 20-meter radio telescope at Green Bank Observatory in WV and facilities as far away as Australia. Students from other participating universities in the network will have access simultaneously to the APUS telescope. The Skynet network of university-affiliated and independent observatories includes:

• Morehead Observatory (UNC-Chapel Hill)
• Dark Sky Observatory (Appalachian State University)
• Fan Mountain Observatory (University of Virginia)
• Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (Chile)
• Hampden-Sydney College Observatory
• Mars Desert Research Station
• Montana Learning Center
• Astronomical Observatory of the Jagiellonian University (Poland)
• Sleaford Observatory (University of Saskatchewan)

As part of the partnership, students from American Military University and American Public University will benefit from seamless remote telescope control, enabling learning that bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world astronomical research. Additionally, APUS plans to integrate into future astronomy courses two of Skynet's labs, funded in part by the National Science Foundation and by DoD STEM.

"This curriculum will provide students with invaluable, hands-on experiences in observational astronomy, reinforcing APUS's commitment to high-quality STEM education that is light-years ahead," said Dr. Ed Albin, Department Chair of Space Studies and Earth Sciences at APUS.

By joining the Skynet network, APUS is shooting for the stars in making astronomical exploration more accessible and inspiring the next generation of cosmic pioneers. This collaboration underscores the University's dedication to education, innovation, and scientific discovery in the field.

For more information about APUS's astronomy courses and the Space Studies program please visit Center for Space Studies | American Public University System (APUS).

About Skynet Robotic Telescope Network
The Skynet Robotic Telescope Network, based at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), is one of the world's largest telescope networks. It is supported by the National Science Foundation, DoD STEM, and North Carolina Space Grant.

About American Public University System
American Public University System (APUS) delivers affordable, high-quality, workforce-relevant higher education. With a rich, 33-year history and vibrant community of over 153,000 alumni from more than 80 countries, APUS is recognized for its innovative approach to online learning¹. APUS is in the top 11% for students' return on educational investment, compared to 4,500 colleges and universities nationwide, according to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (2022)².

APUS, which includes American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU), is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. APUS is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI). For more information, visit www.apus.edu.

¹ APUS has been honored with the online Learning Consortium's Gomory Award for Quality Online Education and is a five-time recipient of the consortium's Effective Practice Award https://www.apus.edu/newsroom/awards/.

²Ranking based on 20-year net present value (NPV) https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/roi2022/. 

American Public University System, American Public University, and American Military University are not affiliated with American University or the U.S. Military.

Media Contact
APUS
Meg Sheeley
Manager, Public Relations
MSheeley@apus.edu

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SOURCE American Public University System

FAQ

What access will APUS students gain through the Skynet Robotic Telescope Network partnership?

Students will gain access to over a dozen premier global observatories and telescopes, including the 20-meter radio telescope at Green Bank Observatory and facilities in Australia.

How will the Skynet partnership enhance APUS's astronomy curriculum?

APUS will integrate two Skynet labs funded by NSF and DoD STEM into astronomy courses, providing hands-on experience in observational astronomy.

Which major observatories are part of the Skynet network that APUS is joining?

The network includes Morehead Observatory, Dark Sky Observatory, Fan Mountain Observatory, Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile, and facilities in Poland and Saskatchewan.

What makes APUS's participation in the Skynet Robotic Telescope Network significant?

APUS is the first online university to join this elite global telescope network, marking a historic milestone for both the institution and its space studies program.