Astronomy in Toronto

Astronomy in Toronto

The graduate Department of Astronomy was established at the University of Toronto in 1904. It owed its inception and early success to the efforts of C.A. Chant, then a lecturer in the Department of Physics, and a keen supporter of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Chant emphasized the importance of astronomy as a cultural subject in education and as a training for the advanced student of physics or mathematics. He also stressed the need for a well-equipped astronomical observatory. But for many years he had to be content with telescopes of moderate size which could be trundled on the lawn of University College or used on the roof of the Psychics building.

One of Chant’s ambitions was to secure for the University a large telescope and observatory. His dream became a reality in 1935 when Mrs. Jessie Dunlap presented the David Dunlap Observatory to the University as a memorial to her husband.

The Dunlap Observatory is 15 miles north of Toronto. The main instrument, a 74-inch reflecting telescope housed beneath a 61-foot dome, is used for astronomical research, the training of advanced students at the University, and the fostering of public interest in astronomy. It is supplemented by a 24-inch reflector, a 19-inch reflector, and a six-inch refractor in the Administration building nearby, and by several radio telescopes to the east of the building.

Dunlap Observatory Today. Photo : Zvi Kaplan

The Observatory is open to the public on Wednesdays throughout the year from 2.00 p.m. to 3.00 p.m., and also (by special arrangement) at certain times on Saturday evenings from April 1st to October 31st. When the weather permits astronomical objects may be viewed through the 74-inch telescope on Saturday evenings. Intending visitors must make reservations in advance by mail or telephone.

The Department of Astronomy is located at the top of the physics Tower of the McLennan Laboratories at the University of Toronto. It offers a program of study and research leading to M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees is astronomy to students who have a solid background in physics and mathematics. Beginning graduate students have access to a 16-inch reflector and an eight-inch refractor, both of modern design. Those undertaking research in radio astronomy have access to the 150-foot radio telescope at the Algonquin Radio Observatory, located at Lake Traverse in Algonquin Provincial Park.

Information about requirements for admission, assistantships, and programs of study and research can be obtained by writing to the Graduate Department of Astronomy, Physics Tower, University of Toronto, Toronto 5.

(David Dunlap Observatory and Department of Astronomy, University of Toronto.Text published in 1976)