Leuschner Observatory facts for kids

Leuschner Observatory is a special place where scientists and students study the sky. It was first called the Students' Observatory. Today, it is run by two universities: the University of California, Berkeley and San Francisco State University. The observatory was first built in 1886 on the Berkeley campus. Later, it was named after Armin Otto Leuschner, a famous astronomer who led the observatory for many years. In 1965, the observatory moved to its current spot in Lafayette, California. This new location is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) east of the Berkeley campus. In 2012, San Francisco State University joined as a partner.

Leuschner Observatory has two main telescopes. One is a 76-centimeter (30-inch) optical telescope. It uses a special camera called a CCD to see visible light. It also has an infrared detector to study heat from space. The other telescope is a 3.6-meter (12-foot) radio dish. Students use this dish to learn about radio astronomy. Over the years, the observatory has helped with important astronomy research. This includes tracking small objects in space and finding exploding stars. It has also been a key place for students to learn about space.

History of Leuschner Observatory

This plaque marks the spot of the first Students' Observatory.

The Students' Observatory was built in 1886. The money came from the California government. At first, it was meant to train engineers. But soon, it became a place for students to learn astronomy. This helped them get ready to use bigger telescopes at places like Lick Observatory. Because of this, the engineering and astronomy departments separated. The Students' Observatory became the home of Berkeley's Astronomy Department.

In 1898, Armin Otto Leuschner became the director. He led the observatory until 1938. During his time, the observatory became famous for calculating the paths of comets and minor planets. Another famous astronomer, Simon Newcomb, said Leuschner made it a top school for astronomy. After Leuschner retired, other great astronomers led the observatory. In 1951, the observatory was renamed Leuschner Observatory to honor Armin O. Leuschner. The Space Sciences Lab, which works on SETI, also started here in 1960.

In 1965, the observatory moved to Lafayette, California. It is located on a large piece of land called the Russell Reservation. In 1968, a new 76-centimeter (30-inch) Ritchey-Chretien telescope was added. Since then, the observatory has been a testing ground for new tools. For example, a test version of the Katzman Automatic Imaging Telescope was tried here. Also, the first model of the telescopes used in the Allen Telescope Array was shown at Leuschner. The 76-centimeter (30-inch) telescope is still used for teaching students. In 2012, San Francisco State University became a partner in using this telescope. They helped fix and improve its motors and control system. SF State also set up a way for their students to use the telescope from their campus in San Francisco.

Telescopes and Tools

The Rapid Prototype Array at Leuschner Observatory.

Leuschner Observatory has different tools to explore space.

Optical and Infrared Telescopes

The observatory has two optical telescopes. One is 76 centimeters (30 inches) wide, and the other is 51 centimeters (20 inches) wide. As of 2010, the smaller telescope is not working. The 76-centimeter telescope is being updated. This telescope is a special type called a Ritchey-Chretien. It has a CCD camera to see visible light. It also has an infrared detector. This detector was built in 2000 to help students learn about infrared astronomy. Both optical telescopes can be automated. This means they can make observations with very little help from people.

Radio Telescope

Leuschner Observatory also has a 3.6-meter (12-foot) radio telescope. This telescope was a test model for the Allen Telescope Array. Now, students use it in their radio astronomy classes. This telescope can pick up radio waves from space. It helps scientists study things like the 21-cm hydrogen line and hydroxyl lines from astrophysical masers.

Discoveries and Research

Leuschner Observatory has been part of many exciting discoveries.

Tracking Space Objects

Early research at the observatory focused on tracking comets and other objects. When Clyde Tombaugh found Pluto in 1930, Leuschner and his students quickly observed it. They wanted to figure out its path in space. Within months, they wondered if Pluto was really a planet. They thought it might be a large asteroid or a comet. They also found that Pluto was not heavy enough to be the "Planet X" that astronomers were looking for.

Finding Exploding Stars (Supernovae)

The observatory was home to two projects that looked for exploding stars. The Berkeley Automated Supernova Search used the 76-centimeter (30-inch) telescope. It scanned the sky every night for supernovae. The Leuschner Observatory Supernova Search (LOSS) also looked for these explosions. These projects helped test new ways to find supernovae automatically. While LOSS was active at Leuschner, it discovered several supernovae, including SN 1994D.

The 76-centimeter telescope also helped high school students. In 1994, two students asked to observe the Whirlpool Galaxy. A few days later, astronomers found a supernova, SN 1994I, in that galaxy. They realized the images from Leuschner were the earliest pictures of this supernova. These images gave scientists important information about how supernovae brighten.

Searching for Alien Life (SETI)

Leuschner Observatory also hosts an optical SETI experiment. This project looks for quick, bright flashes of light from around 2500 nearby stars. It uses the automated 76-centimeter (30-inch) telescope. Similar searches happen at Lick Observatory. The first optical SETI study was also done at Leuschner in 1979.

Maffei Galaxies

In 1968, an Italian astronomer saw two strange objects. A student at Berkeley used the 76-centimeter (30-inch) telescope at Leuschner. They were the first to figure out that these objects were elliptical galaxies. Once they knew what they were, the objects were named Maffei 1 and Maffei 2. Scientists realized these galaxies were very close to our own Local Group. Even though they are not part of our Local Group, Maffei 1 is now known as the closest major elliptical galaxy.

The Search for Nemesis

In 1984, scientists suggested that big extinction events on Earth happen in a pattern. A professor named Richard A. Muller thought the Sun might have a hidden companion star. This star, called Nemesis, could cause these extinctions. Muller was already involved in supernova searches at Leuschner. He then began using the observatory's telescopes to look for this possible companion star.