Astronomy departments in the University of Cambridge

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The University of Cambridge has three large astronomy departments as follows:

University of Cambridge university in Cambridge, United Kingdom

The University of Cambridge is a collegiate public research university in Cambridge, United Kingdom. Founded in 1209 and granted a royal charter by King Henry III in 1231, Cambridge is the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world and the world's fourth-oldest surviving university. The university grew out of an association of scholars who left the University of Oxford after a dispute with the townspeople. The two 'ancient universities' share many common features and are often referred to jointly as 'Oxbridge'. The academic standards, history, influence and wealth of the University of Cambridge has made it one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

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Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge astronomy department of the university of Cambridge

The Institute of Astronomy (IoA) is the largest of the three astronomy departments in the University of Cambridge, and one of the largest astronomy sites in the UK. Around 180 academics, postdocs, visitors and assistant staff work at the department.

X-ray astronomy Branch of astronomy that uses X-ray observation

X-ray astronomy is an observational branch of astronomy which deals with the study of X-ray observation and detection from astronomical objects. X-radiation is absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere, so instruments to detect X-rays must be taken to high altitude by balloons, sounding rockets, and satellites. X-ray astronomy is the space science related to a type of space telescope that can see farther than standard light-absorption telescopes, such as the Mauna Kea Observatories, via x-ray radiation.

The Cavendish Astrophysics Group is based at the Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge. The group operates all of the telescopes at the Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory except for the 32m MERLIN telescope, which is operated by Jodrell Bank.

There is frequent collaboration between departments as research interests overlap.

The Kavli Institute for Cosmology at Cambridge (KICC) is operated jointly by the first two departments, with close connections to the third. It is located on the same site as the Institute of Astronomy. In 2013 the Cavendish Astrophysics group relocated to a new building, the Battcock Centre for Experimental Astrophysics, on the same site to foster further collaboration and integration. [1]

Kavli Institute for Cosmology research institute at the University of Cambridge

The Kavli Institute for Cosmology, Cambridge (KICC) is a research establishment set up through collaboration of the University of Cambridge and the Kavli Foundation. It is operated by two of the University's astronomy groups: the Institute of Astronomy (IoA) and the Cavendish Astrophysics Group.

History

Although Astronomy has been taught at the University of Cambridge since medieval times, the departmental structure has changed frequently, and all three of departments listed above were founded within the last two centuries.

The first astronomical observatory at the University of Cambridge was built at the top of Trinity College gatehouse in 1704.

Trinity College, Cambridge Constituent college of the University of Cambridge in England

Trinity College is a constituent college of the University of Cambridge in England. With around 600 undergraduates, 300 graduates, and over 180 fellows, it is the largest college in either of the Oxbridge universities by number of undergraduates. In terms of total student numbers, it is second only to Homerton College, Cambridge.

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References

  1. ↑ "Cavendish Laboratory: Astrophysics Building". Archived from the original on 3 April 2012. Retrieved 26 June 2012.


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