Marco Bonati

Papers

Total Citations

245

H-Index

About

Marco Bonati is a leading figure in astronomical instrumentation and robotic telescope automation. His primary research focuses on developing advanced, fully autonomous observing systems and high-performance optical instruments for time-domain astrophysics. Bonati’s most impactful contribution is the conversion of the Palomar 60-inch telescope (P60) into a fully robotic facility, a landmark achievement detailed in his highly cited 2006 paper (245 citations). This work enabled moderately fast, sustained observations of transient phenomena, dramatically increasing the telescope’s scientific output and setting a new standard for automated observatories. By designing systems capable of rapid response (under three minutes) and deep imaging (R magnitude ~23), Bonati has empowered critical studies of supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, and other variable sources. His engineering and operational innovations have made P60 a workhorse for time-domain surveys, demonstrating how robotic telescopes can maximize efficiency and reliability. Bonati’s work remains foundational for next-generation automated observatories, cementing his role as a key enabler of modern, high-cadence astronomical discovery.