Elite Global Online Telescope Network Brings the Universe Closer to Students, Researchers
Charles Town, WV— March 27, 2025 – American Public University System (APUS) is over the moon to announce that its 24-inch research grade telescope at the Dr. Wallace E. Boston Observatory in Charles Town, W.V. will now be a shining star in one of the world’s largest online telescope networks, Skynet Robotic Telescope Network.
Operated by the University of North Carolina (UNC), Skynet connects professional astronomers, students, and the general public to cutting-edge observational tools across the cosmos. APUS is the first online university to participate in this stellar network, marking a historic milestone for both the institution and its Space Studies program.
“This partnership with Skynet is truly out of this world,” said Dr. Brian Freeland, Dean of the School of STEM and School of Health Sciences at APUS. “It supercharges our Space Studies program, giving our students experience with several notable world-class telescopes and allowing them to explore the universe like never before.”
This collaboration enables the University's students and faculty members to access over a dozen other premier global observatories and telescopes, including the massive 20-meter radio telescope at Green Bank Observatory in WV and facilities as far away as Australia. Students from other participating universities in the network will have access simultaneously to the APUS telescope. The Skynet network of university-affiliated and independent observatories includes:
- Morehead Observatory (UNC-Chapel Hill)
- Dark Sky Observatory (Appalachian State University)
- Fan Mountain Observatory (University of Virginia)
- Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (Chile)
- Hampden-Sydney College Observatory
- Mars Desert Research Station
- Montana Learning Center
- Astronomical Observatory of the Jagiellonian University (Poland)
- Sleaford Observatory (University of Saskatchewan)
As part of the partnership, students from American Military University and American Public University will benefit from seamless remote telescope control, enabling learning that bridges theoretical knowledge with real-world astronomical research. Additionally, APUS plans to integrate into future astronomy courses two of Skynet’s labs, funded in part by the National Science Foundation and by DoD STEM.
“This curriculum will provide students with invaluable, hands-on experiences in observational astronomy, reinforcing APUS’s commitment to high-quality STEM education that is light-years ahead,” said Dr. Ed Albin, Department Chair of Space Studies and Earth Sciences at APUS.
By joining the Skynet network, APUS is shooting for the stars in making astronomical exploration more accessible and inspiring the next generation of cosmic pioneers. This collaboration underscores the University’s dedication to education, innovation, and scientific discovery in the field.
For more information about APUS’s astronomy courses and the Space Studies program please visit Center for Space Studies.
About Skynet Robotic Telescope Network
The Skynet Robotic Telescope Network, based at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), is one of the world’s largest telescope networks. It is supported by the National Science Foundation, DoD STEM, and North Carolina Space Grant.
About American Public University System
American Public University System (APUS) delivers affordable, high-quality, workforce-relevant higher education. With a rich, 33-year history and vibrant community of over 153,000 alumni from more than 80 countries, APUS is recognized for its innovative approach to online learning1.
APUS is in the top 11% for students’ return on educational investment, compared to 4,500 colleges and universities nationwide, according to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (2022)2.
APUS, which includes American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU), is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. APUS is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI). For more information, visit www.apus.edu.
1APUS has been honored with the online Learning Consortium’s Gomory Award for Quality Online Education and is a five-time recipient of the consortium’s Effective Practice Award https://www.apus.edu/newsroom/awards/.
2Ranking based on 20-year net present value (NPV) https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/roi2022/.
American Public University System, American Public University, and American Military University are not affiliated with American University or the U.S. Military.
