Calgary observatory

Calgary observatory refers to the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory (RAO), located southwest of the city near Priddis, Alberta, Canada.

About Calgary observatory

The observatory was founded in 1972 and is owned and operated by the University of Calgary as an educational and research facility. It sits about 45 minutes southwest of the city, off Highway 22X, giving it darker skies than a downtown location would allow.

History

An original 41cm telescope was installed when the observatory opened in 1972. It was later replaced by a 1.8-metre mirror delivered in 1993, and the resulting A.R. Cross Telescope (ARCT), a Ritchey-Chrétien instrument, was dedicated in 1987. Today the 1.8m ARCT is the largest operational telescope in Canada.

Telescopes & research

Alongside the ARCT, the site supports research and teaching for University of Calgary students, combining professional-grade instrumentation with an educational mission.

Location & getting there

The Rothney Astrophysical Observatory sits in the Priddis area southwest of Calgary, Alberta, within the North America region, roughly 45 minutes' drive from the city along Highway 22X.

Visiting Calgary observatory

The observatory hosts public and educational visits; check the University of Calgary's Rothney Observatory page for current programmes and booking details before travelling.

See your named star from here

With Canada's largest operational telescope on site, the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory has exactly the kind of instrument that could be pointed at the precise coordinates of a star you've named. Browse our star-naming packages or the star catalogue to name your own.