High-quality urban astrophotography powered by AIRA through the Exo4Edu project

The smart telescope Vespera II (Vaonis) has been recently integrated into the infrastructure of the Astronomical Institute of the Romanian Academy (IAAR) as part of the implementation of the European project Exo4Edu. This initiative aims to develop STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) competencies among teachers and students, by using an instrument dedicated to education and outreach programmes, with the possibility of being used also in observational activities. Within the mission of the Astronomical Institute to conduct fundamental research in astronomy and astrophysics, to develop know-how and specialized high-tech partnerships, as well as to educate the public through science, Vespera II has entered into operation as a compact, fully automated observing station that makes high-quality astrophotography accessible in an urban environment.

The instrument combines a 50 mm quadruplet apochromatic refractor with a highly sensitive Sony IMX585 sensor and technologies such as Live Stacking and CovalENS, which enable dynamic accumulation and composition of images, including mosaics for extended objects. Alignment and tracking are performed automatically via GPS, plate solving and an alt-azimuth GoTo mount, while full control of the observations is provided through the Singularity application installed on a small-format tablet. The integration of the LumENS artificial intelligence module, capable of providing real-time explanations of the objects being observed, directly supports IAAR’s educational activity and facilitates scientific dialogue with the public.

The capabilities of the Vespera II system have been illustrated by obtaining from Bucharest of the first image with this instrument (the galaxy M31 – Andromeda) and by solar observations carried out with a solar filter. While configuration and monitoring are conducted on a compact tablet, during public presentations the image of the solar disc will be displayed on a large-screen tablet, so that details of the photosphere and sunspots can be analyzed collectively. In this way, Vespera II becomes a bridge between IAAR’s research infrastructure and its ongoing science education activities. This instrument will provide visitors with direct, visual and interactive access to deep-sky phenomena and to solar dynamics.

Published on: Nov 25, 2025