Establishment of the Swan Reach Observatory (SRO)

Sat 4th
14:00-14:30

Establishment of the Swan Reach Observatory (SRO)

Kenneth Grant, Andrew Cool, Don Bursill, David Bennett and Sean Brennan

Swan Reach Observatory (SRO), South Australia

The recent establishment of the Swan Reach Observatory (SRO) will be a boon to optical astronomy in South Australia. It is based around a 70cm research-grade corrected Dall-Kirkham telescope (Planewave CDK700), and as such is the highest quality telescope in the State. It is housed in an air-conditioned 20m x 30m roll-off roof shed with reception, kitchenette and toilet facilities. Researchers and students will have access to a facility which has previously never been available to them locally. The proximity to the amenities of the nearby township of Swan Reach significantly add to the utility of this Observatory.

The Observatory is located in the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve (RMIDSR), which is Australia’s first Dark Sky Reserve and one of only 25 in the world. In addition to its dark skies, the area is known for its dry climate and cloudless skies. Although the details are currently under negotiation, it is envisaged that the Observatory will be the basis of STEM activities for school students, and for collaborative research endeavours with academic colleagues. Particularly in the latter case, we anticipate that research findings will be published in professional astronomical journals.

Details of the telescope and observatory will be presented, and potential applications discussed.

Ken Grant has a PhD in optics, specialising in laser spectroscopy. He recently retired from the Department of Defence after working in a range of areas of defence science involving optics. Since retirement he has had more time to devote to his passion for astronomy.