Mont Mégantic Observatory Receives Two-Years of Additional Funding
The Mont-Mégantic Observatory, under the direction of René Doyon, has received two years of extended funding, allowing it to continue its mission of scientific research and public science communication.
Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of National Revenue, announced at the summit of Mont Mégantic a two-year extension to the agreement between the Université de Montréal (UdeM) and Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec funding the operation of Mont Mégantic Observatory (OMM). This extension comes with an additional federal contribution of $850,000, supplementing the initial $3,350,000 grant announced in 2018.
With the recent breathtaking displays of auroras lighting up the night skies, this funding will enable the Observatory, led by UdeM physics professor and OMM Director René Doyon, to continue its pioneering university research and training of early career professionals in astrophysics, while also engaging the public with popular astronomy outreach. The telescope at the summit of Mont Mégantic remains an important asset for astrophysics research.
“I am delighted with today’s announcement and I would like to thank the Canadian Economic Development Agency for its support. Thanks to this funding, astrophysicists at UdeM and across Canada will be able to carry out their work and remain at the forefront of their field. The Observatory will thus be able to continue its mission of training the next generation of astronomers, not to mention its commitment to the public by popularizing this most fascinating of sciences,” said René Doyon.
The OMM integrates experimental astrophysics laboratories from the Université de Montréal and Université Laval. The financial support from the federal agency will be used for technological and scientific development projects and to maintain the Observatory’s facilities.
“Exploring the Universe fascinates the public and scientists alike. The fact that the Mont-Mégantic Observatory gives us access to the stars, right here in Quebec and eastern Canada, is reason enough to support its activities. But the Observatory is much more than that: the research carried out there enables us to participate in major projects, such as the James Webb Space Telescope. That’s why it’s so important to guarantee its funding,” concluded UdeM Rector Daniel Jutras.
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