Rothney Astrophysical Observatory

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.

• A robotic telescope (the 0.4 meter Clark-Milone) which can be operated from a number of locations.

• 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.

Outreach

The Rothney Astronomical Observatory's award-winning Interpretive Centre also offers exhibits and interactive displays on astronomy, space science and optics for:

• school groups
• boy and girl scout clubs
• youth groups
• private tours

Its pioneering Universe in the Classroom program also offers the chance for high school students to operate a research-grade telescope remotely over the Internet, and to conduct astronomy research from anywhere in the world.

Open Houses and Public Star-gazing

The Rothney opens its doors to the general public for observatory tours, talks by research staff on astronomy and the Universe, and evening star-watching on its observation deck during its popular Open Houses. The Open House events, which are essentially fantastic "star party's" take place on selected Saturday evenings from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm through the months of April - October. For more event details, see the ROA Events page.

Get Involved

For location, current activites, and Open House schedules, see the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory Website.