Trent Astronomical Observatory
The Observatory built in 2006 and based at Clifton Campus of NTU is a recognised observatory by the International Astronomical Union (Observatory Code: J06). The dome houses several high-tech telescopes that have been specifically designed to perform different roles in enabling aspiring astronomers of all ages to monitor and observe events in outer space. They include a unique 20 inch modified Newtonian and a 14 inch Meade LX200 telescope.
These facilities are being used by NTU students from many different departments. They offer the venue for monthly 'open dome' events at the campus. The observatory is also used for outreach activities involving schools and the local community as well as the NTU Work Inspiration Scheme. It has also become a learning destination for the Children's University.
The work carried out here was highly commended for the prestigious Green Gown Awards 2012, is supporting Dark Sky agenda across the UK as well as outdoor learning involving astronomy.
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Making the dome vanish - A composite photo showing the 20 inch telescope inside the dome from outside -
Reflections in the primary mirror of the 14 inch telescope -
The 20 inch Newise Newtonian telescope -
The dome is opened for a night's observing -
The dome is open for a night's observing -
The sun rises on a frosty spring morning over the observatory -
Frosty spring morning sunrise over the observatory -
The spring observatory in full bloom -
Visitors at the opened dome with the Moon crescent above -
The 20 inch telescope about to point a the Moon's crescent -
A harsh winter's frost creating a bloom of ice all around -
A late autumn day in the shadows of the trees around the observatory -
Approaching the observatory dome through the wooded areas surrounding the observatory -
A glorious and colourful sunrise above the observatory -
Waning Moon crecent above observatory -
Observatory construction August 2006 -
Observatory construction October 2006 - Dome completed -
Observatory construction October 2006 new dome -
Observatory construction October 2006 new dome -
Observatory construction October 2006 installing dome roof inside -
Observatory construction October 2006 new dome and control room -
Observatory construction October 2006 installing dome roof -
Observatory construction September 2006 control room and telescope column -
Observatory construction September 2006 crane lifting dome -
Observatory construction September 2006 the huge crane -
Observatory construction September 2006 floating dome -
Observatory construction September 2006 dome in the air -
Observatory construction September 2006 guiding the dome in place -
Observatory construction September 2006 a ring of steel
