Opening of the new observatory – Media coverage
This week we opened the brand new observatory at the site of our former Glenlea Observatory.
The new telescope and dome are a wonderful new addition to the Astronomy Observatories at the University of Manitoba.
The new observatory consists of an ASH dome and a PlaneWave CDK350 telescope. For the first time at the University of Manitoba, both the dome and the telescope have the capability of being controlled remotely, meaning that students can observe from anywhere as long as they have an internet connection.
This will greatly expand the availability and accessibility of the observatory for students, allowing them to observe from anywhere, at any time of night so long as it is clear. Students will be able to spend a lot more time observing, gather more data for their courses and research, and make stunning astronomical images.
We are very grateful to the Faculty of Science Endowment Fund and the students that contributed to it for allowing us to enhance our astronomical capabilities.
This new observatory was built by UM students and staff.
But where is the old dome and telescope? They have been mounted onto the roof of the Lockhart Planetarium and will be used as an additional training space for students.
Media Coverage:
Winnipeg Free Press: U of M astronomy students get out-of-this-world upgrade
Global News Winnipeg: University of Manitoba students advance research with new remote observatory
CTV Winnipeg: U of M opens new observatory, telescope with special features