Preparation for technical transfer and pilot operation of Observatory in Hanoi
Like the Nha Trang Observatory, the Astronomical Observatory in Hanoi consists of a 0.5 meter diameter optical telescope made by Marcon, a famous Italian company for precision engineering, design and manufacturing. The telescope at the station has a synchronous drive structure with automatic dome control, and is equipped with a dedicated image recorder and a high-quality spectral analyzer.
Operation and photography with a telescope at Hoa Lac Observatory
Some studies can be carried out with glasses and accompanying equipment, including observing variable stars, thus studying the nature of the atmosphere; measuring the spectra of stars to collect information about the type of stars, rotational speed and the largeness of magnitude on the star surface; measuring the radial velocity of the host star to look for exoplanets; measuring the speed of rotation of some planets; studying the morphology of galaxies; searching for celestial bodies near the earth, searching for supernovae, or optical radiation accompanied by rapid radio outbreaks.
The observatory consists of a 100-seat cosmic projection screening space-shaped house with a diameter of 12m designed with a dome screen, larger than the Nha Trang space projection house, which has 60 seats. Images as well as films are projected onto the dome by a high-resolution 6-projector system that produces 3D effects, providing a true-to-life experience of space and the stars.
The projection screening house is also a tool providing understanding and knowledge of astronomy, using visual images to explain the motion of celestial objects and many interesting astronomical phenomena.
A photo of the Fairy Galaxy, the closest galaxy to us, was one of the first images taken by the telescope at Hoa Lac Observatory after the completed installation
“When put into operation, visitors will watch movies about the history of space establishment in a truthful and impressive way with the cosmic projection screening house; visit and witness the operation of the 0.5m diameter telescope, the largest in Vietnam at present,” confirmed Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Anh Tuan, Director General of the Vietnam Space Center.
The Space Center of Vietnam is building a program of disseminating knowledge for students from secondary schools to high schools, so that when they visit the Observatory, they will be able to experience and acquire interesting and suitable knowledge in terms of space and astronomical science. This is an important start for the young generation to understand the science of space and to form a passion for this field.
Previously, Nha Trang Observatory, which is responsible for conducting basic research in aerial astronomy and disseminating knowledge about space science to the community; supporting the training, teaching and improvement of the quality of human resources in astrophysics and space; and cooperating with domestic and foreign research groups in this field, was completed and its technology was transferred in late 2017.
Translated by Phuong Huyen
Link to Vietnamese version
