Comment by IndrekR
3 days ago
For real data you can use Gaia ESA archive: https://gea.esac.esa.int/archive/
I went to study MSc in Space Science and Technology as a hobby few years ago. In one course (2022) we had an assignment to find Supernovae from recent Gaia data (Python code). Then made sure this is observable by University’s robotic telescope (and compliant with local weather forecast). Next requested the observation from the telescope and if successful, received the pictures next day. Had to analyse the results as well. It surprised me how much data there actually is available in quite open format from ESA missions.
Controlling remote telescope few thousand kilometres away was also a nice experience.
Which university if you don't mind me asking? I'm interested in doing something similar as a hobby.
The Open University in UK (living in Estonia myself): https://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/qualifications/f77
The course was S818.