A modern astronomical observatory, situated on a terrace at Doak Campbell Stadium, is a visible reminder of the innovative academics-athletics partnership at FSU. The observatory includes a 17-inch primary science-grade telescope housed in a 10-ft fiberglass dome. The observatory will facilitate student training and research for both introductory and upper-level classes, as well as provide outreach opportunities for the general public. Construction was supported by the FSU Student Technology Fee, the Office of the President, and the Office of the Vice President for Finance and Administration.
Dome assembly work on 13-14 November 2018
Telescope | Planewave CDK17 Aperture: 17 inch (432 mm) Focal length: 115.71 inch (2939 mm) Focal ratio: f/6.8 Configuration: Corrected Dall-Kirkham - Cassegrain with an elliptical primary and a spherical secondary Mount: L-500 direct drive alt-az mount |
Camera | SBIG Aluma 8300 3448 x 2574 pixels 5.4 micron pixels |
Image Characteristics | Pixel scale: 0.379 arcsec/pixel FOV: 16.3 x 21.7 arcmin |
Dome | Home-Dome model HD10 10 ft diameter fiberglass motorized door and rotation |
Dome and telescope foundations.
Students from AST 4722 (Observational Techniques) visiting the dome construction in progress.
Telescope/pier interface plate (before painting), machined in the Physics Machine Shop.
Moon
Jupiter
Saturn
Bug Nebula
Snowball Nebula
Saturn Nebula