The 7 Best Remote Observatories for Astrophotography
The 7 Best Remote Observatories
- Utah Desert Remote Observatories
- Starfront Observatories
- iTelescope
- Deep Sky West
- Sierra Remote Observatories
- Telescope Live
- Astronomy Acres
How Do They Work?
Remote observatories offer various services, each catering to different needs in the astrophotography community.
Some observatories provide monthly pier rentals, where you can mount and remotely operate your own telescope and equipment. In this case, you either bring your gear to the observatory or ship it to the site, where staff can help with installation and setup. Once installed, your equipment remains at the facility and can be controlled remotely from home.
Other observatories offer remote telescope access, allowing you to use equipment that is already installed at the facility. Depending on the service, you may be able to schedule telescope time to capture your own data or download pre-captured astrophotography data if you prefer to focus on image processing.
Curious to see the most popular setup at Starfront Observatories? High Point Scientific sells it as a Package Deal.
What to Look for in a Remote Observatory
If you plan to send your astrophotography equipment to a remote observatory, the location is only one part of the decision. You also need to consider how reliably you will be able to operate and maintain your setup from hundreds or even thousands of miles away.
Here are a few things worth comparing:
- Sky quality: Look at the site’s light pollution, typical seeing conditions, elevation, and number of usable clear nights.
- Technical support: Find out what on-site support is included and how much additional troubleshooting/maintenance costs.
- Power and Internet: Reliable power and a fast Internet connection are essential for controlling your equipment remotely. Backup systems are also worth considering.
- Equipment limits: Pier size, telescope clearance, weight, and other restrictions can determine whether your current setup will fit.
- Weather protection: The observatory should have reliable weather monitoring and procedures for automatically closing the roof when conditions become unsafe.
- Cost: Compare more than the monthly pier fee. Installation, technical support, electricity, additional equipment, and minimum contract periods can all affect the total cost.
For services that provide the telescope for you, compare the available equipment, locations, scheduling system, cost of telescope time, and whether you receive raw or calibrated image data.
Most Popular Remote Observatories
Remote observatories seem to be growing in popularity. We thought it would be helpful to break down the most popular remote observatories in (or based in) the United States, including their services and cost structure. These are listed in no particular order.
*Pricing note: Prices and service options can change. The information below was checked in September 2026, but always check the observatory’s website for current rates, availability, and additional fees.
1) Utah Desert Remote Observatories
- City/State: Southwest Utah
- Bortle Class: 2
- Cost Structure: Pier rentals start at $800 USD per month for a one-year lease; hourly telescope rental is also available
- Service Summary:Pier rental, telescope rental, high-speed fiber internet, backup power, and on-site technical support
Utah Desert Remote Observatories
Utah Desert Remote Observatories is located 130 miles Northeast of Las Vegas at 5100 ft. with optimized views to the north and south. They cater to larger systems and offer three different service options for remote set ups.
Pier rentals start at $800 USD per month for a 40″ radius and require a one-year lease. This includes high-speed fiber internet, reliable power with an automatic backup generator, and up to two hours per month of basic on-site support.
Custom steel piers are available for $400 plus $150 per foot of height. A basic installation is available for $1,000, or you can install the equipment yourself with assistance from staff for $150 per day.
2) Starfront Observatories
- City/State: Brady, Texas
- Bortle Class: 1
- Cost Structure: Pier rentals start at $149 USD per month
- Service Summary: Remote telescope hosting, on-site technical support, fiber internet, and multiple pier sizes
Starfront Remote Observatories
- Mini: Up to a max 32″ swing diameter for $149
- Lite: Up to a max 48″ swing diameter for $199
- Standard: Up to a max 58″ swing diameter for $299
- Heavy: Up to a max 72″ swing diameter for $399
Your reservation deposit covers the installation fee, and the monthly pier rental fee includes one telescope. Additional costs include advanced tech support ($50/hour) or accessories purchased from Starfront.
3) iTelescope
- City/State/Country: USA, Australia, Chile, Spain, La Palma
- Bortle Class: N/A
- Cost Structure: Membership plans start at $39.95 USD per 28 days, with additional telescope-use fees
- Service Summary: Remote telescope access, downloadable image data, and astronomy research capabilities
iTelescope Observatory
iTelescope is a global network of remotely operated telescopes that members of the public can reserve in advance or on demand. after a session your image files will be transmitted from the telescope to a digital server for download.
They offer large aperture telescopes to wide field systems, LRGB or Narrowband for astrophotography. Their equipment is also used for science and research on photometry, exo-planets, comets, asteroids etc.
Their current standard membership options include Plan 40 for $39.95 USD per 28 days and Plan 90 for $89.95 USD per 28 days. Both include access to free telescopes, premium image sets, webinars, different levels of discounts, cloud storage, and reservation time.
Time on their affordable or premium telescopes is an additional fee on top of your monthly fee.
- Plan 40: ‘free’ telescope use, 2+ hours of premium image sets, 10 GB of cloud storage, 8 hour reservation allowance for $39.95 USD per 28 days
- Plan 90: ‘free’ telescope use, 3+ hours of premium image sets, 20 GB of cloud storage, 10 hour reservation allowance for $89.95 USD per 28 days
4) Deep Sky West
- City/State: Rowe, New Mexico; Chile
- Bortle Class: 3 / NA
- Cost Structure: Contact Deep Sky West for current hosting pricing and availability
- Service Summary: High altitude observatory, pier rental and remote imaging services
Deep Sky West Observatory
Deep Sky West is a remote astrophotography observatory situated at 7,400 ft. near Rowe, New Mexico. Based on their location, they offer astrophotographers access to 220+ clear nights.
You can rent space for your own equipment. They can assist with installation if you’re not available to do so in person and charge a fee to do set-up and testing. According to their website, most do their own installations and there is someone present to provide support.
Current hosting is extremely limited, and Deep Sky West asks prospective customers to contact them directly for current availability and pricing.
5) Sierra Remote Observatories
- City/State: Auberry, California
- Bortle Class: 2
- Cost Structure: Contact Sierra Remote Observatories for current hosting pricing
- Service Summary: Private, shared, and custom observatories and hosting services
Sierra Remote Observatories
Sierra Remote Observatories (SRO) provides hosting services for remotely operated telescopes west of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It has been in operation since 2007 and boasts a unique combination of infrastructure accessibility, exceptional seeing, clear nights, mild weather, and location.
SRO reports 1.0 arcsecond average summer seeing and 1.2 arcsecond average winter seeing, with sub-arcsecond peak seeing during astronomical darkness. They also report approximately 290 clear nights a year.
The site is available year-round and is a one-hour drive from the Fresno-Yosemite International Airport.
Hosting services include the pier, power with generator backup, fiber optic internet with Starlink backup, network services, and on-site support, including two free hours per month.
They assist you with your installation or install your telescope for you without additional charge. Their full-time service technicians are on-site 365 days a year. Depending on your needs, they also offer on-site machine shop and crane services.
6) Telescope Live
- City/State/Country: El Sauce Observatory, Chile; IC Astronomy Observatory, Spain; Heaven’s Mirror Observatory, Australia
- Bortle Class: N/A
- Cost Structure: Monthly fee using a credit system within their subscription plans
- Service Summary: Remote telescope data and downloadable datasets
Telescope Live is a service that offers remote access to a global network of professional-grade telescopes. It caters to astrophotographers and researchers who want access to high-quality images without owning or operating their own telescope.
They use a credit system to access datasets. For more information on how credits are used, visit their website.
- Bronze: $6/month – 5 credits per month and access to standard tutorials
- Silver: $24/month – 20 credits per month, access to premium tutorials, and a personal image archive
- Gold: $59/month – 50 credits per month, access to premium tutorials, a personal image archive, and a discount on advanced requests.
Higher-tier plans also include additional tutorial access and discounts on datasets.
7) Astronomy Acres
- City/State: Near Rodeo, New Mexico
- Bortle Class: 2
- Cost Structure: Monthly fee ($500 USD) for pier rental
- Service Summary: Dark skies, mid-range pier rental fees, option for self installation
Astronomy Acres
Astronomy Acres is a remote observatory located near the Arizona border in New Mexico, just north of Rodeo.
Pier rentals are $500 USD per month for a minimum of 6 months. They also offer a 10% discount for annual payment, bringing the cost to $5,400 USD per year.
A pier can be reserved for $250, which covers the first two weeks of rental once your equipment is installed.
You are welcome to bring your equipment to the site to install with the help of their staff, or ship your equipment to the site. A custom-fabricated pier is provided for your mount.
What Gear Do You Need?
If you’re hosting your own astrophotography equipment at a remote observatory, your setup needs to be able to operate reliably without you being there to make adjustments in person.
There are several key pieces of equipment needed to make that happen:
- Optical Tube Assembly (OTA): the main telescope component. Since you won’t be able to easily switch out your telescope, the aperture size you select will be important.
- Cameras: a CCD or CMOS camera specifically designed for astrophotography. You will also need a guide camera for the auto-guiding system to correct small tracking errors during long exposures.
- Filter wheel/Filters: if you are imaging with a monochrome camera, you will need a filter wheel/filters to build your colour image. This includes narrowband filters like H-alpha, OIII, SII for specific wavelengths.
- Mount: an equatorial mount that tracks celestial objects is critical. It will need to support the weight of your telescope and all the accessories, while providing optimal autoguiding.
- Auto-guiding System: a guide scope or off-axis guider to pair with the guide camera to ensure the telescope tracks objects accurately over long exposures.
- Computer/Software: on-site computer to control your telescope, mount, camera and other devices. Programs like NINA to control imaging sessions, focus, and filter changes. You will also need plate solving software and remote control software like TeamViewer or AnyDesk for accessing the on-site computer remotely.
- Focuser: a motorized focuser for automated focus adjustments during sessions.
- Accessories: high-quality cables, remote power switch, ethernet switch, small UPS backup battery, flat panel
Bray Falls’ Remote Setup at Starfront Observatories
Benefits of Remote Observatories
Remote observatories can make a lot of sense for those who are fed up with localized light pollution, constant cloud cover or weather-related events ruining their local skies.
Using a remote observatory might solve a lot of problems for you, including:
- Access to Dark Skies: Remote observatories are often located in places with little to no light pollution, providing better imaging conditions than many people’s home locations.
- Convenience: If you don’t have a backyard, this can be a way for you to have your equipment setup without having to worry about storage or security. Plus, it’s always set up, giving you more clear sky time.
- Time-Saving: Sessions can be automated, allowing for imaging even when you’re not available or during adverse weather at home.
- Optimal Conditions: typically located in areas selected for favourable image conditions, such as dark skies, a high number of clear nights, and good seeing.
Image of nebulae in Vela taken under Bortle 3 skies.
Downside of Remote Observatories
If you’ve ever heard Trevor talk about using a remote observatory, you know they aren’t our preferred method for astrophotography. This isn’t to say that we don’t understand the benefits of using a remote observatory, but for us, it’s all about the experience.
The ritual of setting up our gear and being out under the stars is part of what we enjoy about the hobby. So, while we might become frustrated waiting for clear nights to grace our skies, the chance to get out there and enjoy those moments is special to us.
Setting up astrophotography gear in the backyard
With that being said, here are some downsides to using a remote observatory.
- Limited Hands-On Experience: Remote operation may reduce the personal, hands-on connection with the equipment and the night sky.
- Cost: While remote observatories offer convenience, the associated subscription or rental fees can be expensive, especially for premium sites.
- Equipment Constraints: Users might be limited by the observatory’s equipment availability if they do not ship their own gear, and setting up personal equipment remotely requires careful planning.
- Learning Curve: Operating a remote observatory and troubleshooting issues remotely can require a higher level of technical knowledge.
- Equipment Constraints: If you’re using observatory-owned equipment, you’re limited to what they have available. Hosting your own gear gives you more flexibility, but takes more planning.
Conclusion
Remote observatories aren’t for everyone, and there are definite pros and cons to consider.
For many astrophotographers, they’re a great way to get more clear sky time an access dark skies without having to travel or set up equipment every night. They can also make sense for those without a backyard, limited storage, or infrequent access to dark skies.
Outside with the Redcat 51 and AM3 under Bortle 3 skies
However, for us, a big part of the joy in astrophotography comes from the hands-on process—setting up our gear, being out under the stars, and going through the routine of getting everything ready for the night. As a beginner, I’ve also found that physically setting up my equipment has helped me better understand my gear and improve my routine.
Ultimately, it comes down to what you want from the hobby. Remote observatories can offer more imaging opportunities and convenience, while a backyard setup keeps you more connected to the experience itself.
Ashley is an environmental educator, communication professional, and astrophotographer. She has extensive experience writing for diverse audiences to increase public awareness and engagement. Ashley is an active Advocate and Delegate with DarkSky International, helping to protect the nighttime environment from the harmful effects of light pollution through advocacy and outreach.
You didn’t mention Spain! This has several established remote observatories which enjoy the best skies in Europe with up to 250 clear nights a year.
I’ve had my telescope at Pixel Skies there for the past three years and could not be happier with the experience, or the service I’ve received from the owners. Also, the monthly fee is significantly less than $800 USD per month there!
Thanks for the heads up, Neil! I’ll check out the website and potentially add it to the list 🙂
SRO is located near Yosemite making the park a convenient stop over.
It would be nice to hear a little about access. For example, iTelscope has browser software that helps plan sessions. I have no idea how connections work for Texas or Utah, for example.
Thanks for checking it out Ian. There was so much information about the rented telescope options like iTelescope, it was tricky to condense it into a brief summary. But hopefully, this gives you a good starting point, and you can dive in deeper if anything catches your eye.
Thanks so much for the time and effort put into the research for this article, Ashley. I knew of the remote observatories in the US through YouTube surfing, but was unaware that there were places here in Australia as well. Funny you never know what is in your own “backyard”!
I do agree with you regarding the personal experiences of being able to put “hands on” to your equipment to tweak setups and troubleshoot issues when they arise. Unfortunately, I live in Townsville in North Queensland, where there has been a tendency for a lot of nighttime youth crime, so I have no choice but to “hang out” with my gear at night when we have the chance for clear skies, so leaving equipment unattended outside for the night is not a comfortable option to consider. That plus I’m under the same light condition that you and Trevor moved away from, that of a Bortle 6 Night sky, so imagining with filters is the norm for me. I’m yet to venture a couple of hours outside of my town to get the chance to shoot under Bortle 1 skies, so hopefully when the weather cools down again next year I’ll attempt a couple of camp outs to get the dark sky experience.
I did meet and speak with Trevor at StarStuff in Byron Bay this year which was a highlight of the trip for me , having watched Trevor’s YouTube channel from the start. I hope you guys can get the opportunity again to visit if Dylan decides to put it on again in the coming years.
Thanks again for your article, and I hope to see more of your articles soon!
Clear Skies to you, Trevor and Rudy.
Regards
John Flaherty (John from Townsville)
Hi John – thanks so much for the thoughtful comment! It’s unfortunate that your location comes with those extra challenges. I can imagine how tough it must be balancing safety with clear skies, especially in a Bortle 6 zone – but a future camping trip under the stars sounds perfect! Clear skies to you!
Great article with some awesome information and thought provoking comparisons. My 5,500 foot elevation backyard is Bortle 3-4 and our northeastern Nevada region enjoys lots of clear weather in this high desert. Setting up and enjoying the experience of sitting under the night sky is my main pleasure in this hobby. I could see trying one of these remote observatories in the future as I get older. For now, the backyard is my happy place.
Great coverage of the options. If I had a telescope at a remote observatory, I might not have a life! I’d be imaging and processing day in, and day out, to justify the cost. I feel like I’m doing that now, but the weather helps me pace myself. It’s an option for some folks, but I think like you do. I like imaging in my own space, taking it all in. Another option that has a lot to offer is astro-tourism or astro-travel. I have a long list of places I still want to visit on this planet, many in relatively dark sky areas. For example, to visit Chile and see the Atacama Desert skies is an emotionally impactful experience that one could not experience remotely. You must have experienced that in Australia. To see the Milky Way cast shadows, to see the constellations oriented in a way you’re not familiar with, to take in the Magellanic Clouds for the first time, to breathe (or try to at least!) the high altitude air, to see indigenous wildlife, to eat new foods, to experience the unexpected, to hike trails and take backroads to witness geological formations that you’ve only heard of in passing and do astrophotography too is my dream. I’ll do most of my imaging from my backyard but want to save my money to get out in the world, not to assist me to stay home and cocoon with my computer. Maybe astro-travel would be another topic to write about. But don’t give away too many secrets. I don’t want that scene to get too crowded!
Using the weather as a natural break is such a refreshing way to approach something that usually frustrates astrophotographers. And you’re right—there’s nothing like astro-travel! Whether it’s exploring the skies of the Australian outback or capturing the stars in the desert at StarFront, it all adds so much to our life experiences. Meeting fellow stargazers and soaking in the landscapes is always incredible. Plus, every image we capture in those moments carries its own story and memories. I’d love to see sustainable astrotourism grow, so we can keep enjoying these dark sky places while protecting the environment around them. Thanks for reading Gary!
My pleasure. I enjoyed the article as always!
I image from Finland. For three months a year, there is no astronomical darkness. The remainder is typically either cloudy, or cold, or very cold 🥶 like down to -25C. I probably get 10 good nights a year .. but I have no interest in remote rental or hosting. Part of the challenge is doing it yourself, and toughing out the issues.
Did you use these observatories?