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The Victoria Telescope

The telescope is a modern 12-inch F4 computer controlled Newtonian reflector with a high precision drive built by Orion Optics Ltd.

The Victoria wide-angle reflecting telescope of 12-inch diameter is used for photography and CCD imaging the faint gas and dust clouds of our galaxy. The dome and telescope were built in October 1998. Its is for members use and unsuitable for public viewing. However, visiting amateur astronomers and student groups from universities and colleges may use it under supervision of a qualified Society member. The new telescope makes the latest technology available to the observatory for its educational work. Images are captured by video cameras and computer from deep sky objects that are much too faint to be seen by the eye and, often cannot be satisfactorily photographed by conventional film cameras. The digital images may be further enhanced for greater clarity and detail in another imaging computer. Black and white cameras, recently used with the McClean telescope will be used at first but later the latest colour CCD equipment will be added. The Society sees the new Victoria telescope as an important step in bringing the observatory to a position of leadership in science education the South West.