Observe the star that bears your name
Connecting Celestial Nomenclature with Visual Observation
The International Catalogue of Heavenly Bodies (ICHB) maintains a registry of hundreds of thousands of named objects — stars, exoplanets, galaxies, nebulae, and surface features. Registration of a name in the catalogue creates an official record, confirming the priority and uniqueness of the nomenclature. Through partnerships with leading online observatories, we provide the opportunity to observe these celestial bodies using professional equipment located at various points around the globe.
Whether a star’s name is registered in the ICHB registry, you are conducting scientific research, engaged in educational activities, or simply interested in astronomy — the partner telescope network opens access to observations that were previously available only to professional astronomers.
The Significance of Visual Confirmation
From Catalogue Entry to Observation
Every object in the ICHB registry has confirmed coordinates, spectral characteristics, and historical data. Partner telescopes allow you to visually observe a star, galaxy, nebula, or exoplanet registered in the catalogue, obtaining a real image of the celestial body. This transforms an abstract record into a concrete visual experience.
Global Partner Network
Partner observatories are located around the world — from the Canary Islands to Australia, from Chile to South Africa. This geographical distribution ensures the ability to observe objects regardless of their position on the celestial sphere and time of day.
Documentation of Observations
All obtained images can be saved in high resolution. This is particularly important for research projects, educational programs, documentary confirmation for named objects, and building a personal observation archive.
Scientific Reliability
The use of professional equipment guarantees pointing accuracy, image quality, and compliance of obtained data with astronomical standards.
Partner Online Telescope Services
ICHB users can schedule observations of objects registered in the catalogue. Partner services automatically point telescopes at specified coordinates and transmit obtained images in digital format. Service interfaces include nomenclature data stored in ICHB, allowing immediate access to information about the observed object.
Slooh
A project providing access to professional astronomical observations for a broad audience.
Slooh manages a network of 10 robotic telescopes located at leading astronomical observatories worldwide: the Canary Islands, Chile, Australia, and Mexico. Equipment includes wide-field telescopes and deep-sky instruments, capable of capturing images from lunar craters to distant galaxies.
Access Terms:
- Telescopes in network: 10
- Observation time billed separately according to operator’s rates
Website: Slooh.com →
Telescope.org
A telescope control service providing access to two main instruments: the autonomous COAST telescope and the robotic Physics Innovations Explorer (PIRATE) telescope, based in Tenerife (Canary Islands). The equipment enables observations of various celestial objects, from planets to nebulae.
Access Terms:
- Telescopes: COAST (autonomous) and PIRATE (robotic)
- Location: Tenerife, Canary Islands
- Interface: English
Website: Telescope.org →
iTelescope
A service offering control and photography through 18 telescopes located across 4 observatories worldwide. Equipment includes instruments of varying power and specialization, allowing selection of the optimal telescope for specific tasks — from observing bright stars to deep-sky imaging.
Access Terms:
- Number of telescopes: 24
- Number of observatories: 4
- Interface: English
Website: iTelescope.net →
Observation Procedure
To conduct observations through any of the partner services, the following sequence of actions is recommended:
Search in ICHB Registry
Determine exact coordinates, brightness, and other characteristics of the object through the International Catalogue of Heavenly Bodies search system.
Choose Telescope & Service
Select appropriate instrument considering visibility, power, specialization, budget, and required image quality.
Register with Service
Create an account on the chosen partner resource and familiarize yourself with the terms of service.
Book Time
Schedule an observation session through the partner interface, specifying object coordinates and desired time.
Conduct Observation
At the scheduled time, the telescope automatically points to the specified coordinates and captures images.
Receive Materials
Images are delivered digitally through personal account or email for further use.
Connect with ICHB
Obtained images can serve as visual confirmation of observation for objects registered in the catalogue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all objects from the ICHB registry accessible for observation?
Availability depends on several factors: visibility of the object from partner telescope locations, its brightness (magnitude), technical characteristics of the equipment, and weather conditions at the observation site. The brightest stars, planets, and large deep-sky objects are almost always accessible.
Is special training required to operate the telescope?
Partner service interfaces are designed for users without specialized technical education. Most operations are automated: simply specify the object or its coordinates, and the system will independently perform pointing and imaging.
Can I observe an object registered through ICHB?
Yes. After object registration, its coordinates are fixed in the registry and available for observation planning through any partner network. You can observe a named celestial body, subject to its visibility and equipment accessibility.
What is the cost of observations?
Cost varies depending on the chosen service and tariff plan:
– Slooh: annual membership from $300 USD + time payment
– Telescope.org: from $50 USD
– iTelescope: from $90 USD per month
Can I use obtained images in scientific work?
Yes, images obtained through professional telescopes may be used for research purposes. It is recommended to cite the data source and, if necessary, coordinate usage with service administration.
What if weather is bad at scheduled time?
Most services offer rescheduling or compensation systems for observation time under unfavorable weather conditions. Details should be clarified in the specific provider’s terms.
Technical Information
For current information about telescope availability, up-to-date rates, and observation conditions, please contact partner services directly. ICHB.ORG provides reference information and does not handle billing or technical support for observations.
Useful Links:
Object search and name verification
Global telescope network
Tenerife observatory
18 telescopes worldwide
Information about partner services is provided based on data available at the time of publication. Rates and terms are subject to change. Please verify current information on official partner websites.
