Biology/Physics Building

Prof. Matt Guthrie, Department of Physics, University of ConnecticutRestoring the UConn Research Observatory In 2023 we set on an intense journey to get UConn's East Road observatory back to research-grade operation after it had been dormant for decades. In this talk, I will give an overview of the project: initial assessment of the state of the 16″ Group 128 Cassegrain telescope and the observatory dome; the scope of work; and the coordinated mechanical, optical, electrical, and facilities tasks that followed. Highlights include a redesigned secondary mirror cell and collimation system; full re-coating of the primary and secondary mirrors; new clutch plates and upgraded mount drives with a GoTo controller; and repairs to the dome, plus site improvements for safety, access, and sky visibility. The talk will end with a discussion of some recent events, data we've collected, and an outlook for the exciting future of the observatory. Refreshments served after the colloquium