University’s robotic telescope a star performer

A TELESCOPE which has helped a Yorkshire university to teach more than 50,000 pupils across Britain and thousands more across the world about space has been honoured at an annual awards ceremony.

The Bradford Robotic Telescope was nominated for the final of the 2011 Arthur C Clarke awards but missed out on first prize.

The work done with the equipment, which belongs to Bradford University but is based in the Canary Islands, was one of three finalists shortlisted for the achievement in space education and outreach award.

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Bradford University’s vice chancellor Mark Cleary said: “The work of the Bradford Robotic Telescope team has been extraordinary, and they now work with over 55,000 pupils and 1,800 teachers across the UK, and a further 35,000 users around the world.

“I am glad that the impact and unique nature of this project has been recognised in such a high profile way.”

The Bradford Robotic Telescope installation is part of the Observatorio del Teide site of the Instituto De Astrofisica De Canarias, in Tenerife. The Teide Observatory is the best in Europe and is situated at an altitude of 2,400 metres on the northern part of the volcano caldera.

The Arthur C Clarke Awards is organised by the UK’s space community and aims to recognise efforts to get more people interested in science, technology, engineering and maths.

The other finalists were the UK Space Biomedical Association and Unlimited Theatre for a play.

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