C. E. K. Mees Observatory is an
astronomical observatory
An observatory is a location used for observing terrestrial, marine, or celestial events. Astronomy, climatology/meteorology, geophysical, oceanography and volcanology are examples of disciplines for which observatories have been constructed. His ...
in
Bristol,
New York
New York most commonly refers to:
* New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York
* New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States
New York may also refer to:
Film and television
* '' ...
, owned and operated by the
University of Rochester. The observatory is named after C. E.
Kenneth Mees, "in honor of his pioneering work in the development of sensitive photographic emulsions for use in astronomy."
The site possesses a 24 in (61 cm)
Cassegrain telescope
The Cassegrain reflector is a combination of a primary concave mirror and a secondary convex mirror, often used in optical telescopes and radio antennas, the main characteristic being that the optical path folds back onto itself, relative to the ...
on an English-style
telescope mount
A telescope mount is a mechanical structure which supports a telescope. Telescope mounts are designed to support the mass of the telescope and allow for accurate pointing of the instrument. Many sorts of mounts have been developed over the year ...
in a two-story dome in addition to a 12 in (31 cm) Orion SkyQuest
Dobsonian, an inoperative 6 in (15 cm)
Newtonian reflector on a German
equatorial mount
An equatorial mount is a mount for instruments that compensates for Earth's rotation by having one rotational axis, the polar axis, parallel to the Earth's axis of rotation. This type of mount is used for astronomical telescopes and cameras. The ...
, and a 6 in
refractor
A refracting telescope (also called a refractor) is a type of optical telescope that uses a lens (optics), lens as its objective (optics), objective to form an image (also referred to a dioptrics, dioptric telescope). The refracting telescope d ...
used as a guide telescope. The observatory is notable as a premier location for astronomical observation in Ontario county due to the low levels of light pollution and relative elevation, given that it is situated on the highest point in Ontario county.
The observatory also boasts a vacation home run by the University of Rochester which is used for public outreach, University faculty retreats, and astronomers who stay the night.
The public is welcome to come on free public tours of the observatory during the summer. The tour website may be found in the external links section below.
See also
*
List of astronomical observatories
References
#
External links
C.E.K. Mees Observatory Clear Sky ClockForecasts of observing conditions
Mees Observatory ToursSign up for a free public tour on summer weekends.
Astronomical observatories in New York (state)
University of Rochester
Buildings and structures in Ontario County, New York
Tourist attractions in Ontario County, New York
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