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.
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“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.
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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)
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As part of the partnership, students from American Military University and American Public University will benefit from seamless remote telescope control, enabling learning that bridges 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.
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