Astronomers and astrophotographers can rent prime space to deploy their telescopes to explore the night sky. (Image credit: Starfront Observatories)
Located near Rockwood, in central Texas, Starfront Observatories built a unique facility that allows customers to rent premium space to set up their telescopes to observe and take images of the night sky, and to operate their equipment remotely. While that may seem like a waste of money for some, astronomers and astrophotographers will find it of interest, as the night skies in central Texas have very little light pollution, making it an ideal spot for exploring space.
The skies in central Texas measure around 21-22 magnitudes per square arcsecond, which is about as dark as it gets in the continental U.S. The facility averages more than 200 clear nights a year, offering users a greater window for imaging than most backyard setups can. The infrastructure is modern and built for remote use, featuring automated roll-off-roof buildings, climate-controlled enclosures, and a one-gigabit fiber connection to handle large data transfers and provide live control.
The service operates on a pier reservation system, where users can either ship their telescope gear to the observatory or buy a compatible package, and Starfront handles the installation and integration. Once mounted and connected, the system can be fully controlled over the internet. The facility manages power, roof operation, and on-site maintenance, leaving users free to focus on data capture. Pier tiers vary depending on the telescope's physical size and swing diameter, with prices ranging from around $149 per month for smaller systems to roughly $399 for larger, heavier setups.
There are, of course, a few things to consider before using Starfront's facility. For larger, more complex telescope systems, the monthly cost can climb, and users with very heavy or specialized equipment may find better value elsewhere. Maintenance and troubleshooting rely on the facility's staff, which means response times could rise when equipment needs adjustment. Remote setups also demand automation—focusing, guiding, and power cycling all need to be controllable over the network to avoid downtime. Shipping logistics, installation, and insurance also elevate prices, which users should consider before making the move.
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