A Proposed Automatic Telescope Network (ATN) for Multi-Longitude Photometry

We are proposing to operate a Network of Automatic Telescopes (ATN) for CCD imaging to support simultaneous optical monitoring of blazars during the GLAST gamma-ray mission. Coordinated utilization of telescopes at diverse sites provides the possibility of obtaining continuous photometry without diurnal interruption. Details may be found at http://gamma.bu.edu/atn/. This facility will also be used to study the evolution of the optical counterparts of gamma-ray bursts, conduct other astrophysical investigations which require multi-longitude optical photometry, and as a resource for science education. We plan to develop standards for automatic telescopes which can facilitate broad participation in such a network via the Internet. Thus, it should be possible for amateur-owned, CCD-equipped, automatic telescopes of aperture ~20cm to ~60cm to participate. The owner/operator would make otherwise unused time available to the network in exchange for utilization of other telescopes on the network - including 1m to 2m telescopes with research-grade CCD detectors at good astronomical sites around the Globe.