Mont_Mégantic_Observatory

Mont Mégantic Observatory

Mont Mégantic Observatory

Observatory

The Mont Mégantic Observatory (French: Observatoire du Mont-Mégantic; OMM) is an astronomical observatory owned and operated jointly by the Université de Montréal (UdeM), and the Université Laval (ULaval). Founded in 1978, the observatory houses the second largest telescope in Eastern Canada after David Dunlap Observatory near Toronto.[1] It is situated at the summit of Mont Mégantic, the highest point of Eastern Canada accessible by car. OMM is about 60 kilometres (37 mi) east of Sherbrooke and 190 kilometres (120 mi) east of Montreal.

Quick Facts Alternative names, Organization ...

The asteroid 4843 Mégantic is named for the observatory.

Telescope

The 1.6 meter telescope inside Mt Megantic Observatory

The 1.6 metres (63 in) Ritchey-Chrétien telescope is equipped with a complement of modern instruments. Imaging, spectroscopy, and polarimetry are routinely conducted at both visible and infrared wavelengths.[2]

Light pollution

Efforts to control local light pollution, about one-quarter of which is due to the nearby city of Sherbrooke, have led to the establishment of the world's first International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) Dark Sky preserve around the observatory, covering some 5500 square km (2123 square miles).[3]

ASTROLab

ASTROLab is an astronomy activity centre operate by the Parc national du Mont-Mégantic. There are interactive displays about the history of the Universe, the Earth and life. Visitors can take guided daytime tours of ASTROLab and the Mount Megantic Observatory. There are also astronomy evenings, an astronomy festival, and the Perseid Festival.

Solar eclipse of April 8th 2024

The observatory is near the center path of totality of the solar eclipse of April 8, 2024.

See also

References

  1. [1]
    "The Mont-Mégantic Observatory - Observatories - Astrolab". ASTROLab of Mont-Mégantic National Park. Retrieved 2012-01-08.
  2. [2]
    "OMM". Observatoire du Mont-Mégantic. Archived from the original on 2012-01-29. Retrieved 2012-01-09.
  3. [3]
    "First International Dark Sky Reserve Is Announced in Québec!" (PDF). International Dark-Sky Association. September 21, 2007. Retrieved 2012-01-08.[permanent dead link]
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