Science at UCLO

At its opening in 1929, the Observatory was principally a research establishment, but after the second world war practical astronomical teaching at UCL was moved from Gower Street to Mill Hill. Over the years better and larger research instruments at good-quality sites were provided nationally or internationally, and the emphasis at the Observatory gradually shifted from reasearch to teaching, with student numbers increasing from eight in 1949 to about 100 today. However, Observatory staff continue to pursue research activities, often involving undergraduate students, through project work. Many of today's large research telescopes are under the direction of scientists who made their first (and often second) steps in astronomy here.

UCLO research work is illustrated by:

• Exoplanet Studies;

• Student Projects;
• Staff Publications; and the (now defunct) series of
• ULO Communications

Future plans for the Observatory include the development of observing options controlled from off-site, and installation of a modern metre-class telescope for both teaching and research.