University of Calgary
Welcome To Rothney Astrophysics Observatory
Submitted by support on Wed, 06/16/2010 - 11:56.
Open House -- Saturday, May 25, 2013Gates open at 8pm to 11pm $20 per car OR $10 per person** Cruising through the earth's radiation belt
Speaker: Christopher Cully, University of Calgary Surprisingly dynamic, the radiation belts that surround the earth present many challenges to satellites and human space travel. Dr. Cully will discuss his research into understanding this incredible phenomenon which surrounds the earth. Saturn will be visible in the east the summer constellations slowly rising throughout the evening. **All proceeds to Rothney Astrophysical Observatory educational programming. |
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Donations to the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory are hugely appreciated. We endeavour to make astronomy accessible to the public, and inspire scientific thinking and literacy. If you would like support us in this endeavour, you can help by making a donation. Click on this link, and choose "Friends of the RAO" from the Designation drop-down box.
The University of Calgary issues tax receipts for donations of any amount. Thank YOU!
Current Sky over the RAO: 
Click to see full size image or visit the Skywatch page
RAO becoming Operations Headquarters for amazing satellite research mission:
In late April 2013 the Canadian Space Agency will launch the CAScade, Smallsat and IOnospheric Polar Explorer also known as CASSIOPE. You may have noticed a small cube-shaped structure suddenly appear on the RAO compound's south end. On the top will be mounted high-tech satellite tracking and communication equipment. The data that the satellite will collect while studying the Earth's aurora and space weather will be beamed down to the Rothney. An animation of the satellite orbiting the Earth is here. Stay tuned for an announcement about the official launching celebration of the RAO's e-Pop ground station.
RAO Sky Scanner Extrordinare, Rob Cardinal, discovers comets in 2008 and 2010:
To see Rob's actual discovery images click here. The stars, being in the distant background, are stationary while the comet dashes across the field of view. Congratuations Rob Cardinal!
In Oct. of 2008 and Jan. 2010, using the specialized Baker-Nunn Telescope and its very sensitive CCD camera detector, astronomer Rob Cardinal discovered never before seen comets, now named "C/2008 T2 Cardinal" and "C/2010 B1 Cardinal". read more >>
In 2008 the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory won prestigeous ASTech Award for Excellence in Science and Technology Public Awarenes: read more >>
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