Observouse

Observouse is a distributed observatory network and data platform conceived to enable continuous monitoring of astronomical and atmospheric phenomena through a federation of facilities and sensors. The project emphasizes openness, interoperability, and community participation, hosting optical telescopes, radio antennas, spectrometers, and environmental sensors connected through standardized data interfaces to allow coordinated observations and joint analysis.

The platform provides a modular software stack for observation planning, data ingestion, calibration, cataloging, and analysis. Data products are stored in an open archive and accessible via APIs; common standards such as FITS, VOEvent, and standard metadata schemas facilitate cross-facility collaboration. Observouse also supports a cloud-based compute layer for processing and a plugin ecosystem for instrument drivers.

Observouse originated from an international collaboration proposal in the late 2010s and matured with a non-profit foundation established to coordinate governance and funding. It operates under a governance model that includes scientific boards, technical committees, and community-elected representatives. The network is designed to lower barriers to participation for universities, independent observatories, and citizen scientists.

In science terms, Observouse aims to enable long-term monitoring of variable stars, near-Earth object tracking, transient follow-up, and cross-disciplinary observations in Earth science. The initiative has been recognized for promoting open data and reproducible research, though it faces challenges related to funding sustainability, data volume management, and ensuring equitable access.