Prototyping the graphical user interface for the operator of the Cherenkov Telescope Array

TL;DR

This paper presents a prototype GUI for the Cherenkov Telescope Array operator, developed using web technologies to address new challenges posed by the large-scale observatory.

Contribution

It introduces a novel GUI prototype for CTA operators, integrating Web technology and HCI expertise to handle complex telescope array management.

Findings

Prototype demonstrates feasibility of web-based GUI for CTA

Incorporates real-time data visualization with d3.js

Collaborative development with HCI experts

Abstract

The Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) is a planned gamma-ray observatory. CTA will incorporate about 100 imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes (IACTs) at a Southern site, and about 20 in the North. Previous IACT experiments have used up to five telescopes. Subsequently, the design of a graphical user interface (GUI) for the operator of CTA involves new challenges. We present a GUI prototype, the concept for which is being developed in collaboration with experts from the field of Human-Computer Interaction. The prototype is based on Web technology; it incorporates a Python web server, Web Sockets and graphics generated with the d3.js Javascript library.