Low cost automated astronomical observatory for remote operation: A requisite analysis

The conception of a fully automated astronomical observatory for remote operation fulfils the needs of observation in difficult accessibility conditions at remote locations. The use of open source hardware and software components enables the implementation of a low cost design. The current availability of technologic instrumentation allows the possibility for low-budget astronomical research groups competing with larger ones. This paper analyses the requisites and costs of such a low cost automated astronomical observatory, showing it to be possible to reduce costs by a factor of 10 from commercial alternatives.