 The
observatory is a few minutes walk from the physics and astronomy
building, in the middle of the University playing
fields. A range of telescopes is available for both teaching
and research.
First year
undergraduate students may undertake optional observing
sessions. Work in later years includes use of the
telescopes and data taken from them. Members of
the astronomical society have access to some of the telescopes
to follow their own interests.
  The
Scott Lang building shown alongside is the most prominent
building seen from the road. This recently extended building
houses aresearch group from the School of Mathematics
and Statistics, but the dome houses a 50-cm telescope
plus spectrograph and CCD detector. The size of the telescope
can be seen in comparison with the size of the access
hatch to the dome. The University playing fields surround
the observatory buildings, helping to reduce the level
of stray light, or at least this is the case once the
floodlights on the football/hockey pitches and tennis
courts have been switched off for the night, no later
than 9pm.
Further down the path that leads in the direction of the
sports centre are the other observational areas. The picture
alongside shows (nearer the camera) the dome housing the
Gregory Telescope. This is a 0.94 m (37 inch) reflector
of Schmidt-Cassegrain design, and is fitted with a research
quality CCD camera for direct imaging, including the ability
to monitor the brightness variations of stars, active
galaxies, transiting planets, etc. This is the largest
operational optical telescope in the UK.
 The
twin domes of the Napier building house two Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain
telescopes,of 40-cm and 25-cm diameter, for visual observations
and direct imaging with CCD cameras. These are again used
for direct imaging. In addition to other uses, these are
available to members of the student
astronomical society. The flat roof area can also
be used for work with portable telescopes.
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to teaching facilities page
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Last
updated BDS 8.07
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