Virtual observatory (VO) is a collection of interoperating data archives and software tools which utilize the internet to form a scientific research environment in which astronomical research programs can be conducted.
In much the same way as a real observatory consists of telescopes, each with a collection of unique astronomical instruments, the VO consists of a collection of data centres each with unique collections of astronomical data, software systems and processing capabilities.
The main goal is to allow transparent and distributed access to data available worldwide. This allows scientists to discover, access, analyze, and combine nature and lab data from heterogeneous data collections in a user-friendly manner.
In addition the IVOA (International Virtual Observatory Alliance) is a standards body created by the VO projects to develop and agree the vital interoperability standards upon which the VO implementations are constructed.
Also, in the Middle East, there is an online observatory called UniverseAlive. UniverseAlive program is an international collaboration to broadcast universe events for internet users. Astronomy is the most important subject. UniverseAlive helps people to visit universe beauties as near as their PC displays. Also, observatories and laboratories can join UniverseAlive program to collaborate as part of webcast team. They can broadcast their astronomical events via UniverseAlive. UniverseAlive official center is in Isfahan, Iran.