Embry-Riddle Observatory
The Embry–Riddle Observatory is an astronomical observatory owned and operated by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach. Hosting an array of optical instruments, this observatory is situated on the roof of the College of Arts and Sciences building in Daytona Beach, Florida.
History
Embry-Riddle Observatory, originally known as Embry-Riddle Creekside Observatory, began in a Technical Innovations Pro-Dome dome located between the Lehman Engineering Building and a creek that ran through campus. In 2012, Embry-Riddle broke ground on the new 140,000 sq-ft College of Arts and Sciences building which included a Ash Dome on the roof. Upon completion of the building, existing telescopes were moved from the Creekside Observatory to the new building and the university installed a new 1-meter Ritchey–Chrétien telescope in June, 2014.General information
The fifth floor of the College of Arts and Sciences building is used exclusively for astronomy and astronomical research. A rooftop veranda hosts six steel piers for supporting a fleet of Software Bisque Paramount telescope mounts. The fifth floor classroom houses the primary telescope control room and various apparati for astronomy and astrophotography instruction. A dedicated workshop holds all the eyepieces, cameras, adapters, and various support equipment needed to maintain the telescopes. The primary dome weighs and is elevated above the classroom. A smaller diameter dome housing a heliostat sits atop the classroom roof. The portable telescopes are stored in a dehumidified storage room on the veranda.Structural
The primary telescope is supported by a 4-story, steel truss located inside the building. The steel structure, designed by Leo A Daly and built by Trinity Fabricators, was erected during the early stages of the building's construction. The College of Arts and Sciences building was finished around the truss, leaving a minimum gap between the truss and the building on all levels. The concrete pads for the truss are separated from the building foundation by insulating foam. This isolation prevents building vibrations from coupling into the telescope structure.Usage
The Embry-Riddle Observatory is used primarily for faculty and student teaching and research. Both undergraduate and graduate teams have independent access to the observatory and its facilities. In addition to research, the observatory hosts public open house viewing nights roughly once a month during the spring and fall semesters.Primary
The primary telescope, a diameter Ritchey–Chrétien 8 reflector from DFM Engineering, is the largest optical telescope in Florida.The astrosital primary mirror was manufactured by DFM Engineering and the Ultra low expansion glass secondary mirror was built by Brunache Instrumental Optics.