Trent Astronomical Observatory
Trent Astronomical Observatory
Based on Clifton campus, this rare and unique resource has an impressive five metre diameter revolving dome structure housing the 20 foot modified Newtonian and a 14 foot Meade LX200 telescope, specifically for astronomical observations. The dome can also be transformed into a planetarium.
Recognised by the International Astronomical Union (observatory code: J06) our observatory is capable of capturing satellites orbiting the Earth, Moon, Sun, planets and other stars in our galaxy, other galaxies and even extra solar planets.
Facilities within the dome include Starlight XPress monochrome (SXV-H9) and colour (SXV-H9C) CCD cameras, monochrome and colour Meade Deep Sky imaging cameras, lunar planetary imagers, filters, filter wheels and broad and narrow band filters. Additionally, low-resolution slit-less spectra can be obtained. The Physics and Astronomy teams at NTU also have access to a number of other astronomical telescopes including:
- Cassicorp 2.3m radio telescope capable of both continuum and spectral line (21cm neutral hydrogen line) observations at 1.4GHz
- SV-50 Solarview 50mm (allowing for H-alpha imaging of the Sun)
- Portable laptop computer-controlled “go-to” field telescopes:
- Meade ETX125
- Meade ETX90.
The observatory supports our teaching, the activities of the University's Astronomy Society, outreach work supporting the Centre for Effective Learning in Science, and the NTU Work Inspiration Scheme. Find out more.
