TCSpy: Multi-telescope Array Control Software for 7-Dimensional Telescope (7DT)

TL;DR

TCSpy is a new software system that enables centralized, efficient control of a multi-telescope array, supporting diverse observation modes and rapid follow-up, demonstrated on a 20-telescope array for gravitational-wave counterpart detection.

Contribution

The paper introduces TCSpy, a novel multi-telescope control software utilizing network protocols, specifically designed for the 7DT array, enhancing observational flexibility and response speed.

Findings

Successful implementation of TCSpy within 7DT.

Enhanced rapid follow-up capabilities for transient observations.

Support for multiple observation modes in a multi-telescope array.

Abstract

We introduce a novel software called TCSpy which is designed to efficiently control a multi-telescope array through network-based protocols. The primary objectives of TCSpy include centralized control of the array, support for diverse observation modes, and swift responses to the follow-up observations of astronomical transients. To achieve these objectives, TCSpy utilizes the ASCOM Alpaca protocol in conjunction with Alpyca, establishing robust communication among multiple telescope units. For the practical application of TCSpy, we implement TCSpy within the 7-Dimensional Telescope (7DT). 7DT is a telescope array consisting of 20, 0.5-m telescopes, equipped with 40 different medium-band filters. The main scientific goals of 7DT include detecting the optical counterparts of gravitational-wave sources, identifying kilonovae, and the spectral mapping of the southern sky. Through the integration of TCSpy, 7DT can achieve these scientific objectives with its unique observation modes and rapid follow-up capabilities.