| 2004 |
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YEAR BOOK |
Cork Institute of Technology
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The Blackrock Castle Robotic Observatory
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The masterplan for the project involves the installation of a robotic optical telescope on the top of the larger of the two towers of the Castle. The Ritchey-Chretien designed telescope will have a 42cm primary mirror on a fully robotised mount, complete with filter wheel and CCD camera. A robotic dome of steel construction will house the telescope, and a weather station will provide the necessary meteorological information.
In order to increase awareness of what science careers have to offer, first and second level students throughout the country will be encouraged to visit the Observatory on school day trips and to carry out work there on special projects. They will also have the possibility of sending requests to the observatory for images to be taken of their favourite objects (e.g., for science projects and science outreach within individual schools).
At least one small radio telescope will be installed at the castle, providing opportunities for education in this important technology. The observatory will also house a dark-room facility for research into low-light-level imaging and spectroscopy, with a view to attracting Science Foundation Ireland funding.
A second optical robotic telescope will be sited abroad to provide the bulk of the data for research purposes. Scientific projects will include high precision photometry of quasars, extra-solar planet transits, and gamma-ray bursts. Additionally, it is planned to use large-area CCDs to search for near-earth objects (NEOs). The search for extrasolar planets and NEOs should heighten public interest in the research at the Observatory.
Both the general public and visitors to the city will be encouraged to access the Castle as a scientific centre and a place of architectural and historical heritage. It is proposed to establish an astronomical exhibition in the Castle to complement the ongoing scientific research. The Castle will also be available for lectures, presentations and civic or corporate events, with a new restaurant on site. The entire project will be funded largely privately, with additional funding being sourced from local industries and large multinational corporations.
Contact: Dr Niall Smith, Department of Applied Physics & Instrumentation, Cork Institute of Technology;
E-mail: [email protected]