Discipine of Physics
Faculty of Science, Engineering & Technology
| School of Mathematics & Physics Discipine of Physics Faculty of Science, Engineering & Technology |
| The
Canopus Hill Observatory houses a one metre telescope and is situated
approximately 12 km from Hobart. Because of its high southern latitude
(43° South) the telescope provides opportunities for study of the Magellanic Clouds throughout the year. Telescope instrumentation includes a 2-channel high speed photometer with UBVR and clear filters and a CCD photometer with SITe 512 × 512 pixel backside-thinned CCD and 6-channel filter wheel. Johnson-Cousins BVRI, Washington CM, and a small selection of narrowband filters (Hα, Ca HK, DDO51) are available. These are mounted at the f/11 Cassegrain focus. The observatory owns a high resolution Coudé spectrograph which is currently being retro-fitted for use with an optical fibre system. Auto-guiding is achieved with an auxilary telescope and fast imager. We are currently examining the potential to improve image quality by active cooling of the primary mirrow during daylight hours. |  If you are interested in visiting the observatory, please telephone the School of Mathematics & Physics on +61(0)3 6226 2439 |
| The Mount Canopus Observatory must
soon close owing to encroaching light pollution from the Hobart
suburbs. However, the future of Tasmanian optical astronomy is bright:
a state-of-the-art 1.3m telescope is planned to see first light in
2010. The new observatory will be located at "Bisdee Tier". |
| Created: September 2009 by Tammy Riley Last modified: September 2009 © Copyright School of Mathematics & Physics, University of Tasmania Australia, 2009 |