Rothney Astronomical Observatory - University of Calgary - Calgary, Alberta - Astronomical Observatories on Waymarking.com

Dedicated on January 7, 1972, the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory is a principal teaching and research facility of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Calgary. It houses:

Canada's most powerful domestic research telescope (the 1.8 meter diameter ARCT), the largest in the country that still operates under a dark night sky.

Canada's only telescope (the 0.5 meter diameter Baker-Nunn) that continuously searches the sky for so-called "killer asteroids" that could impact Earth.

Canada's best-equipped astronomical teaching facility, including resources for teaching students to observe the sky with optical, infrared and radio wavelengths. Hands-on instruction in observing techniques and the opportunity to use research-grade telescopes is an integral part of the undergraduate astronomy curriculum.

The ARCT is a:
Type: Ritchey-Chretien
Primary mirror: 1.8-m diameter
Focal ratio: f/15
Mount type: altitude-altitude
CCD: 1024x1024 nitrogen-cooled camera with UBVRI filters
IR Photometer: single element nitrogen cooled InSb bolometer

The primary mirror is an f/2.7, 1.8m New Generation honeycomb type from Roger Angel's workshop in Tucson. With the chopping secondary, the system is f/15 overall.

The ARCT is supported by an Alt-Alt mount equipped with 21-bit encoders and DC servo motor, shaft-and-disk drives on both axes. The entire structure rests upon two 4.5m vertical piers in a 10m dome. This simple mounting and drive avoids the zenith 'catastrophe' of Alt-Az mounts. It has proven to be reliable and smooth in operation and easy to balance and control.

Observatory Purpose: Research Optical / Infrared Telescopes?: Yes Radio Telescopes?: No Open to the Public?: Yes Public Viewing Allowed?: Yes Active Observatory?: Active Number of Telescopes or Antennas: 3 to 5 Site URL: [Web Link] Year Dedicated or Opened: 1972 Altitude (meters): 1110 Solar Telescopes?: Not listed Is this a Club Observatory?: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Note the time of day of your visit, and your own photo of your favorite part of the observatory. This might be the view from the observatory, picture of your favorite building or favorite exhibit. (Be mindful of flash photography rules!)

If you participated in an observing session, let everyone know what you saw!

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