Dominion Astrophysical Observatory
Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, Research observatory in Saanich, Canada.
Description
The Dominion Astrophysical Observatory is a research facility in Saanich housing two principal optical telescopes for astronomical study. The main cylindrical dome sits on elevated terrain and contains instruments designed to capture and analyze starlight from distant objects.
History
The facility opened in 1918 with its primary telescope, which was the largest in the world at that moment. It has served continuous scientific observation purposes ever since its establishment.
Culture
The National Research Council facility maintains two principal research telescopes, supporting extensive studies in optical imaging, spectroscopy, and spectropolarimetry.
Practical
Visitors should inquire about access and viewing times at the site since it remains an active research facility with ongoing work. The location on elevated terrain provides natural vantage points for understanding the instruments and their surroundings.
Did you know?
The primary telescope has undergone technical improvements over the decades that made it millions of times more sensitive than its original design. These enhancements allowed scientists to pursue entirely new types of astronomical discoveries.
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