Astrophysics Labs

Students looking through the observatory telescope

About our Astrophysics Labs

The astronomy facilities are an ideal opportunity for students to explore the wonders of the night sky from the UK. Our student-led telescopes are used to teach the fundamentals of wide-field astronomical observing and data reduction and provide a glimpse of the cosmos to all members of the University.

Our postgraduate researchers have developed site-specific Python routines that automate the collection and reduction of imaging data for scientific analysis, such as variable star studies, exoplanet transits, and transient science.

Our facilities

Students using the telescope in the dome

Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Observatory

The observatory, comprising the telescope, dome and the adjacent laboratory, is named after Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw who donated the original Celestron 11" telescope. She was a former Pro-Chancellor of the University, Lord Mayor of Manchester, outstanding mathematician and a keen amateur astronomer. The observatory was formally opened by Sir Patrick Moore on 20th May 2002.

Staff and students in the Dome

Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Observatory

The main facility of the observatory is now a pier-mounted Celestron CGE1400 XLT 14" Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. The dome was designed and built by Dr Glyn Marsh, a prominent local amateur astronomer. Situated on the roof of the Physics Department, the observatory has excellent views of most of the sky allowing for observing using a wide range of instrumentation.

Members of LUAstro stood outside the Dome

Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Observatory

In the last decade, MPhys students have used this space to calibrate the sensitivity of the system, observe using high and low-resolution spectroscopy and obtain scientific grade data on sunspots, planetary bodies and stellar systems. The observatory is regularly used by the Lancaster University Astronomical Society to produce high-quality images that are regularly used in university engagement activities

RedCat Sky Watcher telescope

William Optics Redcat 51

Our William Optics Redcat 51 is mounted on a "Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 Pro" mount and equipped with a "ZWO ASI071MC Pro (Colour)” camera. This refracting telescope had a large field of view allowing for sharp-focused images of large astronomical objects. The camera is the source of many of the images produced by AstroSoc that can regularly seen on the University's social media feed.

Orion SkyQuest XX16g Dobsonian

Orion SkyQuest XX16g Dobsonian

We also have an Orion SkyQuest XX16g Dobsonian telescope with a 16-inch primary mirror. The large aperture of this telescope means it’s great for viewing faint, deep-sky objects.

Newtonian and SkyTravel Reflectors

Newtonian Reflector and SkyTravel Refractor

Our Newtonian Reflector and SkyTravel Refractor are adaptable telescopes, which enable our AstroSoc members to familiarise themselves with the practicalities of tight-time observing before moving on to astrophotography.

Imaging in the labs

The equipment within our labs allows us to capture spectacular images of astrophysical objects. The president of LUAstro, Orlando Prugel-Bennett, photographed many of the images below from the roof of our Physics Department, utilising the telescopes in the laboratory. Each image is created from several hundred individual exposures, which have been combined using publicly available software such as N.I.N.A and AstroImageJ.

Key contacts

Mathew Smith

Dr Mathew Smith

Lecturer in Astrophysics

Observational Astrophysics