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Radford University
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Radford University
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Radford
University's Selu Conservancy is a 380-acre piece of land that is about 15
minutes away from the main campus. Selu is home to "The Barn",
which is a large silo containing our Questar 7" Schmidt-Cassegarian
telescope. The scope is mounted to 2 powered alignment motors, both are
controlled by a digital guidance system. One of the alignment motors is
currently broken, and the scope will be down until replacement is completed. Future plans include a
20" scope that will be aimed remotely
from campus.
The picture at left is of Drs. Hermann and Tanaka using the 7" Questar scope. The picture was taken in the top of the silo. Below are more pictures of the Selu Observatory facility. Over the summer of 2008, the Selu Observatory will undergo a tremendous upgrade. The 7'' Questar will be replaced with a .6m scope (brand yet to be identified). In addition, most operating equipment at the observatory will be upgraded to provide for a much advanced experience.
This is the barn and observatory tower. Along with these two, the facility also consists of several other rooms. These include research labratories, classrooms, mess hall and kitchen.
In addition to the main science facility, the conservatory also includes a large lodge (not pictured). The lodge building is newly constructed, and is used for a wide variety of public and private events. For more information on Selu, go to http://www.radford.edu/~conf/selulodging.htm.