U of M opens new observatory

Astronomy students at the university of Manitoba now have an even-greater view of the heavens. 

With the grand opening of a new $500,000 observatory, located just minutes outside of Winnipeg, which will allow students to further explore the mysteries of the universe, from anywhere on the globe.

“Hundreds of people now at a scale that just isn’t possible if we are bringing people out to a field 20 minutes south of the university are going to be able to use this instrument now, collect data from it and carry out meaningful astronomy experiments,” said Tyrone Woods, Assistant Professor of Physics.

Outfitted with a powerful planewave c-d-k-350 telescope, and a dome that rotates a full- 360 degrees.

As long, as the sky is clear, nothing will be out of view for students, from far distant stars to satellites in our very own atmosphere.

“So from a remote computer we are able to point it anywhere we like, and with a high sensitivity camera on the back we are able to image even the faintest objects in the universe,” said Ryan Wierckx, Master’s student.

Wierckx says the new observatory is more than just a window into far-out galaxies, having played such an integral role in its construction he’s hopeful the facility will help serve as a catalyst to further discoveries in the years to come.

“Allowing even first year students to have their hands on data from this instrument and I think that will really inspire more students to enter astronomy and capable instrument,” said Wierckx.

“This really brings us up to being one of the top places in the country in order to learn astronomy, and practice astronomy professionally and we are already attracting students from Ontario to BC,” said Woods