| 1. For observational astronomy, the control of large modern telescopes and the acquisition of the data that they produce would not be possible without modern computer technology. This is most striking for the orbiting observatories like the Hubble Space Telescope where all control and observing must be done using remote computer technology. |
| 2. Computers are also essential for theoretical astronomy, where large mathematical models are constructed to try to understand the observations and these models can often only be solved using the largest computers. Some of these models are among the most challenging computational problems now tackled by supercomputers. |
| 3. Computers play an essential role in making astronomy information readily available, as is discussed in more detail in the right panel. |
In fact, modern astronomy would be impossible without extensive use of computers, both for
control and for analysis and distribution of data.