UCF Robinson Observatory - Astronomical Observatories on Waymarking.com

The centerpiece of the UCF Robinson Observatory is the 26" Schmidt-Cassegrain reflecting telescope built by Tinsley Laboratories in 1968 for the University of South Florida. The telescope was used until the astronomy program at USF closed down and merged with the Astronomy Department at University of Florida in Gainesville. The 26" telescope was dismantled and sat in storage for many years. In 1990, the Central Florida Astronomical Society learned of the telescope and went up to Gainesville to see if it could be salvaged.
CFAS began working with UCF to bring the telescope to Orlando. They agreed that UCF would build the observatory and CFAS would move the telescope and restore it to operating condition. The Orlando Sentinel ran an article about the telescope which caught the attention of Orlando resident Herbert Robinson. Robinson donated $250,000 (half of the cost of building the observatory) and the state met that donation. The observatory would be called the Herbert and Susan Robinson Observatory in recognition of the Robinson's generous contribution.

CFAS moved the 26" telescope from Gainesville to UCF on Feb. 13, 1992 and began restoring it. Construction began on the observatory in November 1994 and the telescope was installed in June 1995. The mechanical assembly was completed and the optics installed in September 1995. The observatory and telescope were officially dedicated on April 25, 1996.

Unfortunately, Mr. Robinson died August 12, 1995, but his wife Susan attended the dedication and helped cut the ribbon. The Robinson Observatory and 26" telescope are used twice a month for public observing sessions--the 26" telescope is the largest telescope in the state of Florida routinely open for public viewing.

The telescope is also used in support of astronomy classes at UCF which, with the recent acquisition of a CCD camera, has been using the telescope for astronomical research. UCF and CFAS share observing time on the telescope: UCF uses the telescope Monday through Thursday while CFAS has the telescope Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. UCF and CFAS also work together to conduct public observing sessions for special events, such as Comet Hale-Bopp, lunar eclipses, and oppositions.

Observatory Purpose: Research Optical / Infrared Telescopes?: Yes Radio Telescopes?: No Open to the Public?: Yes Is this a Club Observatory?: No Public Viewing Allowed?: Yes Active Observatory?: Active Number of Telescopes or Antennas: 1 Year Dedicated or Opened: 1995 Solar Telescopes?: Not listed Site URL: Not listed Altitude (meters): Not Listed

Visit Instructions:
Note the time of day of your visit, and your own photo of your favorite part of the observatory. This might be the view from the observatory, picture of your favorite building or favorite exhibit. (Be mindful of flash photography rules!)

If you participated in an observing session, let everyone know what you saw!

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