University Observatory  
St Andrews Homepage
Physics & Astronomy homepage Information for prospective undergraduates Information for prospective postgraduates
Staff & Student information, contact details. Research within the school of Physics & Astronomy News & Activities.
 
 
 

University Observatory

Domes3.jpg (24793 bytes)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.


Leslie Rose Telescope with SpectrographScott Lang BuildingThe 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.


James Gregory Telescope in its dome at the University of St Andrews 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.

Meade Telescope

 

 

 

 

Return to teaching facilities page

Return to introduction to research facilities

 

Last updated BDS 8.07

disclaimer
 
 
 
St Andrews Homepage
       top of page
- Home - Maps - Telephone Directory -
© University of St Andrews