Why is the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Toronto Centre running the observatory?
The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada had as one of its charter members Dr. Clarence Chant, the University of Toronto professor who built the David Dunlap Observatory with the funds given to the university by Jessie Dunlap. Ever since the Observatory opened in 1935, RASC members have been bringing our telescopes to set up on the grounds during public observing nights. We are a part of the observatory, helping to prove that "the stars belong to everyone," as Helen Sawyer Hogg once said.
Also, helping to preserve an historic observatory so that future generations of scientists can be inspired and educated is part of the official mandate of the RASC, which is "to stimulate interest and to promote and increase knowledge in astronomy and related sciences", and "to acquire and maintain equipment, libraries and other property necessary for the pursuit of its aims".
Metrus Development purchased the property in 2008 and indicated its keen interest in having an astronomy club continue the Observatory's astronomical tradition. RASC Toronto Centre is honoured to have the opportunity to provide science education and public outreach to the community.
Is it still going to be called the David Dunlap Observatory?
Absolutely! Jessie Dunlap's wish to have an observatory named in her husband's memory will continue to be honoured. Meanwhile, the University of Toronto is using the proceeds of the observatory sale to fund the new Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics. The Dunlap legacy is growing, and will not be forgotten.
Who is running the 74" telescope?
Specially trained members of the Toronto Centre are operating the telescope. The Toronto Centre membership has always been a blend of professional and amateur astronomers. Many of our "amateur" members earned undergraduate degrees in astronomy with experience using a variety of professional telescopes. Previous David Dunlap Observatory telescope operators have been RASC members, and have even been hired at the observatory from the RASC membership. The Toronto Centre also benefits from technical support offered by the University of Toronto, the original owners of the telescope, as well as the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory in Victoria, BC that operates a 72" telescope.
We're fortunate that Archie de Ridder, who has been responsible for looking after the 74" telescope - and for training generations of operators - is available to us to provide full training for a core group of operators.
Is the telescope going to be used for research?
Our hope is that we will be able at some point to begin education-based research as part of our community efforts. We are looking for opportunities to collaborate with ongoing research. The 74" telescope is capable of collecting excellent data for research programs like Transitsearch, a project that depends on professional-grade amateur astronomers with small telescopes.
What effect does light pollution have on the Observatory?
Light pollution is a concern for any observatory surrounded by encroaching urban development. Richmond Hill's light pollution by-law was developed because of the David Dunlap Observatory -- and without an operational observatory, the Town would have no reason to enforce the by-law. Whenever we set up our small telescopes in schoolyards or city parks to help educate the public, we contend with light pollution. This is nothing new.