Explore Labs & Facilities That Make Astronomy Great to Study at Embry‑Riddle
Makenna Pringle
Astronomy is a field for those with a passion for solving the mysteries of the universe and pushing the boundaries of exploration.
When earning a degree in this field, students combine advanced observation, scientific analysis and imaginative thinking to get to know entities that are light-years away.
At Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, students gain experience with the same tools they’ll use in their research professions or advanced studies after graduation. Our astronomy facilities in Prescott, Arizona, and Daytona Beach, Florida, are designed to give students new and exciting opportunities to explore the universe — right on campus.
Bachelor of Science in Astronomy in Prescott, Arizona
On Embry‑Riddle's Prescott Campus, the B.S. in Astronomy combines studies in astronomy and physics with hands-on experience using telescopes, antennas, radios and more — promoting a well-rounded astronomical background that sets students up for a successful future in the field.
Prescott Observatory Complex
Astronomy students in Prescott benefit from clear night skies in a mile-high mountain setting, offering unique opportunities for astronomical exploration that are seldom found elsewhere.
The Prescott Observatory Complex is used for astronomy classes and several student-faculty research projects in optical and radio astronomy. The complex is equipped with a wide range of instrumentation for imaging and analysis of extraterrestrial electromagnetic emissions and distant celestial bodies.
The optical observatory is equipped with 20-inch Ritchey-Chrétien and 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, cameras and a spectrograph. The radio observatory features a pulsar antenna and several additional instruments.
Faculty and students alike utilize the observatory to conduct astronomical research, develop their expertise and make discoveries that advance their field as a whole.
Bachelor of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics in Daytona Beach, Florida
Embry‑Riddle's Daytona Beach Campus houses the B.S. in Astronomy and Astrophysics in the College of Arts & Sciences, giving students opportunities to use advanced astronomical tools to grow their knowledge in the astronomy and physics fields. The program is a member of the Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy (SARA), granting students almost continuous telescope access to nearly 90% of the sky.
Embry‑Riddle Campus Observatory
The centerpiece of the Astronomy and Astrophysics program is the Ritchey-Chrétien (RC) reflecting telescope — the largest university-based research telescope in Florida. Housed atop the College of Arts and Sciences building, the telescope weighs around two tons.
The 1-meter diameter RC telescope is a reflecting telescope that is utilized alongside digital imaging cameras and spectrographs to research planets, moons, asteroids, exoplanets, the structure and ages of stars and nearby galaxies.
In addition to the RC telescope, the Observatory is home to six smaller, more portable telescopes — all of which are mounted on the roof of the College of Arts and Sciences building.
Faculty and students are also able to access the telescopes remotely, giving them real-time observational opportunities from anywhere they may be, as long as they have internet access.
An Astronomical Community
These telescopes allow students to learn through experience and gain familiarity with eyepiece observing, digital imaging, spectroscopy and more.
Both Embry‑Riddle campuses utilize their telescopes to draw in community engagement. The Daytona Beach Campus’ Amateur Astronomy Club invites students, staff and the greater community to come explore the cosmos during Astronomy Open Houses, where attendees can peer through the roof-mounted telescopes to gain access to the skies like never before. Attendees have chances to ask questions and learn about our universe from our passionate campus community.
Similarly, the Prescott Campus’ astronomy team provides outreach to the community through public viewings, open houses and other events in conjunction with local educators and astronomy enthusiasts. In addition to the Observatory Complex, the Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium often showcases movies, night sky displays, educational documentaries and more on its 360-degree, 4k resolution screens, allowing for an immersive visual experience like no other.
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