ASTRONET: planetariy observations in remote collaborative web environment

In this paper we discuss the objectives, the key technical aspects and the main results of AstroNet, a Web-controlled telescope that can be simultaneously operated by small groups of users (2-20 in turn), like in a real astronomical observatory. AstroNet is the outcome of a collaboration between the Astrophysics group and the DIDA-Lab of the University of Salento and has been developed to respond to the increasing number of re- quests coming from schools and families about astronomy lectures and sky observation tutorials. In the last year, AstroNet permitted to about 1000 young students to perform rich observation experiences from both school and home, with the same global effort previously needed to offer a similar experience to about 100 people. The recognition and the analysis of the main lunar geologic structures, the monitoring of the complex and diversified Jupiter atmosphere, the evolution of comets in proximity of perihelion are only some of the possible targets of observations and imaging sessions that are suitable to a great number of thorough analyses. Moreover, with the same instrumental equipment, even if with a more well-constructed approach, it is possible to start low cost scientific research projects in the field of asteroid photometry, variable stars or extrasolar planet transits.