OurSky Launches Network of Telescopes with AI and Open-Source Tech
OurSky, a technology company based in Southern California, has released the beta version of its network of telescopes connected via API. The company raised nearly $10 million in seed funding to develop tools for amateur astronomers to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) and open-source technology in their stargazing endeavors.
Seed Funding and Vision
Founded by Dan Roelker and Alex Hawkinson in 2021, OurSky recently closed a $9.5 million seed round with investments from various venture capital firms. The company aims to make the sky more accessible by allowing developers to make API requests for real-time information from a global array of telescopes. The data collected can be used to build various applications and unlock opportunities.
Open-Source Stargazing
OurSky’s co-founders believe in having an open platform that encourages collaboration and innovation. Open-source technology allows multiple contributors to modify and improve software, resulting in more robust technologies. OurSky currently has 55 telescopes online across 20 locations, tracking objects in orbit around the Earth, Moon, and beyond. The company plans to involve amateur astronomers in their network and promote collective discoveries and space debris tracking.
Citizen Scientists
Citizen science involves public collaboration in scientific research, enhancing data collection and analysis. OurSky aims to involve amateur astronomers in citizen science projects, where they can contribute to gathering and analyzing large amounts of data that may be challenging for scientists alone. Examples of citizen science include the discovery of a long-lost satellite by an amateur radio operator and the identification of unusual purple lights in the sky.
Astronomy and Artificial Intelligence
While OurSky has not yet implemented AI integration, the company plans to add an undisclosed AI model in early 2024. Astronomers are increasingly turning to AI to enhance their tools for exploring the cosmos. Scientists have successfully used AI and machine learning to identify and classify supernovae, and NASA is utilizing AI in its space exploration missions.
OurSky’s Subscription Tiers and Goal
OurSky offers four subscription tiers, each with increasing tracking capabilities and support. The company’s goal is to support the astronomy community by providing free access to important data and photographs. OurSky aims to simplify image processing tasks for astro-photographers.
Hot Take: Empowering Amateur Astronomers with AI and Open-Source Tech
OurSky’s launch of a network of telescopes connected via API demonstrates their commitment to empowering amateur astronomers. By combining artificial intelligence and open-source technology, OurSky aims to unlock the potential of vast amounts of sky data. With the involvement of citizen scientists and the integration of AI, the future of astronomy looks promising in terms of discoveries and understanding the universe.
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