York University Observatory is an astronomical observatory owned and operated by York University. It is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Opened in 1969, York's observatory is opened to both researchers and amateur astronomers.
The observatory owns two telescopes housed in separate domes: a 40 cm (16 in) Schmidt–Cassegrain telescope made by Meade Instruments, and a 60 cm (24 in) Cassegrain reflector. Other smaller portable telescopes are available for visitor use. Telescopes 1 and 2 are located at the main building at Petrie, and the remainder at Arboretum Observing Facility on the roof of the Arboretum Parking Garage.
The observatory is open to the public every Wednesday evening, and also hosts public viewing sessions for special events, such as Astronomy Day in 2006, Earth Hour and Science Rendezvous in 2008. There is no admission cost to visit the observatory.
Like David Dunlap Observatory, York's location is subject to nearby light pollution. York is located away from residential neighbourhoods, but it is still subject to lights on campus and the surrounding business at the Keele location. Unlike the University of Toronto, York does not own an operate alternate observatory in Canada or abroad.
Read more about York University Observatory: Gallery
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