Abstract:
GLORIA stands for “GLObal Robotic-telescopes Intelligent Array” and it was financed within the EC FP7 program. Its main aim is to build the first free and open-access network of robotic telescopes in the world. The financed period is just finished, but the project partners are committed to continue to support users and potential partners of the network for the next three years. Anyone with Internet connection and a web browser can subscribe and be part of it. And anyone with a robotic (or robotisable) telescope can join the initial network of 17 telescopes. GLORIA tools are built having in mind the Web 2.0 environment. Telescopes access, observations requests, data management tools, etc., all are web-based in order to be able to share data in an easy and effective way, without the need to install or maintain software. GLORIA users can do astronomical research by observing with the available robotic telescopes and/or by analysing data that other users made accessible. GLORIA also aims at spreading astronomy within schools and the general public. Several educational expeditions to document and transmit live astronomical via webcast were organised. Educational material and web-tools were together with original photo-albums, time-lapse ad videos. All made accessible from the web and from the social networks.