Mt Kent Observatory

Brad CarterUniversity of Southern Queensland

USQ

INTRODUCTION

Mt Kent Observatory’s role is to enable astronomy distance education through research.

Located at latitude 280S 1530 E near Toowoomba, Australia

URL: http://orion.mko.usq.edu.au

Photo shows domes for (left to right): CDK700 telescope (installation 2011)O’Mara robotic telescopeCDK20s telescope

(Wikipedia)

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ASTRONOMY AT USQ

Astronomy & space science: Integral part of Australian, international

school curricula Australian “super science”

Physics & astronomy is taught by distance education, using: Moodle delivery of lectures, tutorials,

discussion forums & assessments Robotic imaging for practical report Home practical kits (physics only) Electronic submission of assessments Traditional exam at a choice of venues

Research is focused on improved understanding of Solar & Earth history using stars and exoplanets as proxies.

CDK20s dome at sunset

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The O’Mara Robotic Telescope

USQ / APTA collaboration: www.telescope-net.com

Paramount ME, Meade 30cm, STL1301 Web interface for imaging requests Queue-scheduled observations Results by email & download In use by USQ students for imaging:

Star cluster types Galaxy shapes Asteroid detections

Possible future photometry projects: Variable stars Asteroid rotation Exoplanet transits (demanding) Adapt exercises from elsewhere?

O’Mara telescope “dome cam” image

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Shared Skies Partnership

Shared Skies Partnership operates between the UoL & USQ (www.sharedskies.org) CDK20s:

50cm f/6.8 optics with CCD, plus auxiliary finder, wide-field color camera

Replicates facility at Moore Observatory

Enables live remote imaging Web interface being developed

CDK700 (installation 2011) 0.7m alt-azimuth telescope For remote, robotic photometry Spectroscopy also planned

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(Planewave)