LightBuckets
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Astronomy, Remote telescope services |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Founder | Steve Cullen |
| Headquarters | France |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Online telescope rentals, live astronomical viewing sessions |
LightBuckets is a commercial observatory specializing in astronomy, initially established in Rodeo, New Mexico, and currently operating out of France. It provides worldwide telescope rental services through an online platform, serving both hobbyist and professional astronomers. The company facilitates live astronomical viewing sessions and maintains a large collection of images. Its telescopes have played roles in scientific achievements such as confirming supernovae and detecting asteroids.
Alongside Sierra Stars Observatory Network and iTelescope, LightBuckets was endorsed for the "Target Asteroids!" initiative, granting users without personal equipment access to high-powered telescopes via the internet.
Description
Founded in 2007 by Steve Cullen, who previously worked as a software executive, LightBuckets commenced operations in June 2008. Cullen returned to the software sector in 2011, prompting changes within the organization.
The company operates on a subscription and pay-per-use pricing model, with rates dependent on the specific telescope used. Unlike services that rely on pre-captured images like Microsoft WorldWide Telescope or Google Sky, LightBuckets delivers live sky observation experiences similar to competitors such as Slooh. Its telescopes are positioned worldwide, including locations in Chile and Spain.
2008-2011
In 2011, LightBuckets experienced a change in ownership that led to modifications in its telescope inventory and observatory sites. Before this transition, the company utilized Ritchey-Chrétien telescopes from RC Optical Systems at its Rodeo, New Mexico observatory—known as H11 Rodeo by the Minor Planet Center—including a 0.61 m (24”) f/8 (LB-0001) and a 0.37 m (14.5") (LB-0003). The facility also housed a wide-field instrument (LB-0002), featuring a 0.2 m (8") AstroSysteme Austria N8 Newtonian Astrograph. Imaging was supported by high-performance Apogee Instruments cameras equipped with comprehensive filter wheels suitable for both broadband and narrowband imaging, enabling sophisticated photometric studies.
In 2009, LightBuckets collaborated with the International Year of Astronomy’s 100 Hours of Astronomy campaign, strengthening its presence in remote astronomical services. The observatory utilized domes manufactured by Astro Haven Enterprises for its telescope enclosures.
Post-2011
After relocating to France, LightBuckets expanded its offerings with a new 32-inch robotic telescope (LB-0001) alongside four additional instruments: LB-0002 (17" Planewave), LB-0003 (FLT 110mm refractor), LB-0004 (TMB 175 mm refractor), and LB-0005 (ASA 12" Newtonian mounted on an ASA direct-drive system), marking strategic growth in its international operations.
Activities
- The Puckett Observatory Supernova Search identified supernova SN 2008gr in IC 1579, which was confirmed through observations made by LightBuckets’ telescopes at Rodeo in 2008.
- By October 2009, the LB-0001 telescope had aided in the discovery of at least 17 previously unknown asteroids, demonstrating the company's competitive edge in astronomical research.
- In September 2010, LB-0001 contributed to the confirmation of gamma-ray burst GRB100901A.
- As of May 2011, LightBuckets announced the closure of its Rodeo site after accumulating over 4,300 hours of imaging time, conducting more than 5,400 customer imaging sessions, and serving upwards of 680 clients—underscoring substantial growth in its remote telescope service business.
- In August 2011, the firm introduced LB-0006, a 0.43 m (17") Dall Kirkham telescope located in the French South Alps, further expanding its global presence and product range.
See also
- Astrophotography
- Kitt Peak Advanced Observing Program
- List of astronomical observatories
- Software Bisque
- Slooh