Glenlea Astronomical Observatory

South of Winnipeg, on the University of Manitoba's Glenlea Research Station, the Glenlea Astronomical Observatory gives prairie skies a dedicated home for both research and public stargazing.

About Glenlea Astronomical Observatory

The observatory sits at the university's Glenlea Research Station, about 20 kilometres south of the Fort Garry campus, roughly a fifteen-minute drive from Winnipeg. It is operated by the Winnipeg Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) in partnership with the University of Manitoba's physics and astronomy department.

Telescopes & research

The site houses a Meade LX200 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope with GOTO positioning and a 14-inch Dobsonian reflector for visual observing. A newer remote observatory building has since been added, featuring an ASH dome and a PlaneWave CDK350 telescope that can be operated remotely, extending the site's research and imaging capabilities well beyond in-person sessions.

Location & getting there

Glenlea Astronomical Observatory is located in Manitoba, Canada, on rural land south of Winnipeg that offers darker skies than the city centre. On-site facilities include a concrete observing pad, a warm room, a washroom, and tables for accessories, making it practical for extended observing sessions.

Visiting Glenlea Astronomical Observatory

The observatory is used by RASC Winnipeg Centre members and university researchers for both education and observation. Check the RASC Winnipeg Centre's current schedule for public observing nights before making the trip.

See your named star from here

Between a GOTO Schmidt-Cassegrain, a 14-inch Dobsonian, and a remotely operated research telescope, Glenlea has the equipment to seek out precise coordinates in the night sky. If you've named a star with Star Register, its certificate gives the exact position needed to find it. Browse the star catalogue to find yours.