Rothney Astrophysical Observatory

Rothney Astrophysical Observatory is a working research and teaching observatory near the hamlet of Priddis, Alberta, about 20 km southwest of Calgary, owned and operated by the University of Calgary.

About Rothney Astrophysical Observatory

Dedicated in 1972 — the formal ceremony took place on January 7 that year, attended by Dr. Margaret Burbidge, then Director of the Royal Greenwich Observatory — the facility began with a dome housing a 41 cm telescope and a lecture room. It's named for Helen Rothney Macleod, the grandmother of the observatory's founder, on land donated by Alexander Rothney Cross, grandson of Calgary Stampede founder A.E. Cross.

Telescopes & research

The observatory supports undergraduate and graduate teaching alongside active research, including a variable star search program, follow-up observations of variable star discoveries, and detailed studies of binary stars. Astronomer Rob Cardinal has led an outstanding minor planet search program from the site, resulting in several comet discoveries. Rothney is also a node in the Skynet Robotic Telescope Network, linking it to remotely operated telescopes elsewhere.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits in rural foothills country near Priddis, Alberta, southwest of Calgary — far enough from the city to offer noticeably darker skies than downtown, though still within easy reach for a day trip.

Visiting Rothney Astrophysical Observatory

The University of Calgary runs public outreach programs at Rothney alongside its teaching and research work. Check the university's observatory website for current open nights, tour bookings, and ticket details before visiting.

See your named star from here

Because Rothney is an active research observatory, its telescopes really can be pointed at the right ascension and declination of a star you've named. Name a star of your own, or look one up in the star catalogue, then plan your visit around it.