| Canopus Hill Observatory | |
| Organization: | University of Tasmania |
| Location: | Mount Canopus near Hobart, Tasmania, Australia |
| Coords: | -42.8475°N 147.4328°W |
| Altitude: | 260m (850feet) |
| Established: | 1970s |
| Telescope1 Type: | 1 m reflector |
The Canopus Hill Observatory, located approximately 12 km from Hobart in Tasmania, Australia, is an optical astronomy observatory belonging to the University of Tasmania (UTAS).[1] Due to the high southern latitude, the Canopus Hill Observatory is able to observe and study the Magellanic Clouds.[2] However, the observatory has closed down due to the "encroaching light pollution from the Hobart suburbs".[3] According to the Astronomical Society, light pollution reduces the vision of the night sky, becoming a "major menace to amateur and professional astronomers alike".[4]
The Canopus Hill Observatory has a variety of telescope instrumentation, including a 2-channel high speed photometer with UBVR, clear filters, a CCD photometer with SITe 512x512 pixel illuminated backside-thinned CCD and quick change 6-channel filter wheel.[5] According to the UTAS, these telescope instrumentations are attached at the f/11 Cassegrain focus. There is also a 16" telescope that is used for observatory open nights for public viewing, photographic work and the Astronomical Society of Tasmania.[6]