SkyMapper: A Decentralized Platform for Enhancing Planetary Science through Global Telescopic Networks

Introduction

SkyMapper is a pioneering platform that leverages a global network of telescopes equipped with imagers and all-sky cameras, capturing high-quality images as the primary data source. These images are used to extract photometry and astrometry, providing precise measurements of astronomical targets. By focusing solely on image-based data, SkyMapper ensures a streamlined and robust data processing pipeline, building on proven methodologies developed for Unistellar observations.

SkyMapper is a Decentralized Science (DeSci) and Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN) project aiming to revolutionize how we conduct and access planetary science research through a globally distributed network of telescopes.

This approach unlocks a diverse range of scientific cases, from tracking potentially hazardous asteroids and studying cometary activity, to detecting exoplanet transits and observing rare human-made events like the DART impact. Planetary science, in particular, benefits from this comprehensive and continuous observational strategy, addressing key challenges in the field.

With a phased growth strategy, SkyMapper aims to democratize access to high-quality astronomical data and foster global collaboration in planetary science.

Methodology

SkyMapper’s approach begins by leveraging the existing Unistellar Network of smart telescopes, which are already deployed globally and operated by citizen scientists (Marchis et al. Acta Astronautica, 2020 and Peluso et al. PASP 135, 2024,). This initial network provides a robust foundation for data collection and immediate follow-up observations.

As the project progresses, SkyMapper will expand to integrate a broader array of smart, digital, robotic telescopes and underutilized professional telescopes in the 1–2 meter class. The platform uses the SkyGate device to connect telescopes to its decentralized system. It also incorporates blockchain technology to ensure data integrity and AI algorithms (e.g ODNET by Pokorny et al. EPSC 2025 for occultation detection) for efficient real-time data analysis. This strategy enables high-quality, coordinated observations that are scalable and accessible.

Applications in Planetary Science

SkyMapper supports multiple scientific investigations in planetary science:

1. Follow-up Observations of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs): Enables coordinated campaigns to refine orbits and assess impact risks. (Lambert et al., MPB, 50, 2023)
2. Occultation Observations: Measures asteroid sizes, shapes, and topographic features during stellar occultations. (Hanuš et al., EPSC2024-591)
3. Cometary Variability: Tracks brightness changes to detect outbursts and disruptions, informing models of dust and gas activity. (Graykowski et al., AGU, MP23, 2024)
4. Exoplanet Transit Observations: Confirms planet candidates from NASA’s TESS mission with small-telescope observations (Sgro et al. AJ, 168,2024)
5. Observation of the Human-made spacecraft activity. Demonstrated in 2022 with the live recording of the NASA DART from the southern part of Africa   (Graykowski et al., Nature, 2023) and JWST launch and deployment on its way to the Lagrange Point (Lambert et al., SPIE, 2022).

Results and Preliminary Findings

SkyMapper is currently building its network, beginning with Unistellar telescopes and the development of the SkyGate device. The MVP phase, launching in June, will connect 10–50 telescopes. By mid-2026, the network aims to exceed 1,000 telescopes globally. This scalable model includes future integration of additional networks, including digital telescopes and all-sky cameras, as well as professional-grade telescopes over the next two years, transforming SkyMapper into a key facility for planetary science research.

Future Directions

SkyMapper will continue to expand its network, integrate AI-powered data analysis, and build new scientific programs. These will include the detection of occultations by satellites of giant planets, alert systems for PHAs, meteor and bolide reentries, and broader collaborations with space agencies and research institutions worldwide. The platform also aims to support education and outreach, offering global access to astronomical data with a special focus on underserved communities and countries building an astronomy workforce.