Astronomy & Physics - Burke-Gaffney Observatory

The Observatory of the Department of Astronomy and Physics at Saint Mary's University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

The observatory is named in honour of Reverend M. W. Burke-Gaffney , S. J (1896-1979). It is located on the top of the 22-storey Loyola residence tower, and was made possible by an anonymous benefactor who wished to honour Saint Mary's University's well-loved astronomer.

The main instrument is an Ealing 41cm diameter Cassegrain reflecting telescope. It is motor driven to compensate for the rotation of the Earth and has a computer-controlled positioning system. Once an object is located, it can be guided accurately during long time-exposure images. Because it is located within the City of Halifax, it is primary used for teaching, public tours, and modest research projects including studying the nature of the aging processes in variable stars, searching for extra-galactic supernovae, and charting the orbits of asteroids in our solar system.

In addition to visual observations, several instruments are commonly used with the telescope. These include an ST6 and ST8 CCD electronic imaging cameras, 35mm cameras, and two spectrographs. White-light and Hydrogen-alpha solar filters are used to observe and photograph the Sun.

The observatory also owns portable 9cm and 20cm telescopes.

41cm Telescope Facts (Cassegrain Focus)

Latitude	44d 37' 50" N
Longitude	63d 34' 52" W
Altitude	91 metres
Aperature	40.7 cm
Focal Length	4780 mm
Focal Ratio	11.75
Theoretical Resolution	about 0.3 arc-seconds
Max. Theoretical Magnification	about 800x
Max. Practical Magnification	about 400x
Light Grasp	about 2000 x human eye
Limiting Visual Magnitude	about 15.7 (no light pollution)

Reverend M. W. Burke-Gaffney, S. J.

Father Burke-Gaffney received his Ph.D. from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and taught for many years in Toronto and Winnipeg before coming to Halifax in 1940. At Saint Mary's he held the position of Dean of Engineering, and later, Dean of Science. The Nova Scotia Technical College conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of Engineering on Father Burke-Gaffney in 1955, in recognition of his great contribution to the students of Nova Scotia. His contribution to astronomy was emphasized by his long time membership in the American Astronomical Society, the International Astronomical Union, and the International Academy of the History of Science. In honour of his 25 years of service to Saint Mary's University, the Board of Governors in 1965 conferred upon Father Burke-Gaffney the title of Professor Emeritus.

Contact Information
Burke-Gaffney Observatory
Department of Astronomy and Physics
Saint Mary's University
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3H 3C3 Canada

Info Line: 902-496-8257
Office Phone: 902-420-5633
Fax: 902-420-5141
E-Mail: Dr. David G. Turner, Director (turner (at) ap.smu.ca) or David J. Lane, Technician (dlane (at) ap.smu.ca)