The Observatory building is located on the left side of
the University College of the Cayman Islands Campus.
the University College of the Cayman Islands Campus.
Dr. William Hrudey MBEDr. William Hrudey moved to Grand Cayman from Canada in 1997 after a successful medical career.
With a life-long interest in science and, as an amateur astronomer in his teens, Dr. Hrudey now had the time to build his "dream" telescope. Though hurricane Ivan destroyed most of the first version in 2004, it was rebuilt and offered to the University College of Cayman Islands (UCCI). It is housed along with a fleet of smaller telescopes at the UCCI Dr. William Hrudey Observatory, located on the campus. Dr. Hrudey was the Observatory Director, rendering the observatory capable of both solar and night sky CCD imaging. Hundreds of school students toured the Observatory in order to inspire them towards science. The observatory was to serve as a catalyst for many Astronomy and thereafter STEM related activities. Dr. Hrudey had been involved heavily in the Rotary Science Fairs but truly, his landmark effort came with the STEM Carib conferences that were his brainchild. The first one was held in 2012 and it has been held annually since growing from strength to strength. So, it was a well deserved honour when at STEM Carib 2017 Dr. Hrudey was presented with the Faculty Award 2017 bestowed by The International Association of University Presidents in recognition of his contribution with the building of the observatory, the running of Astronomy courses and notably the STEM Carib conferences – the first of its kind in the Grand Cayman. For the first time students had an opportunity to meet scientists from around the world and listen to cutting edge talks on science. The highest honour came with the announcement from her Royal Highness the Queen who bestowed upon Dr. William Hrudey, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E, for services for promoting Science Education in the Cayman Islands. This speaks volumes for the contribution that Dr. Hrudey had made to his second home, through his vision, his foresight, and tireless efforts to make the world a scientifically better educated place. He changed the trajectory of the many many lives he touched and left his indelible mark on science in the Grand Cayman. He will forever be missed. Dr William Hrudey (March 18, 1941 – February 22, 2018) |
The UCCI web site used to have one section dedicated to the Observatory,
you will find it at: http://observatory.ucci.edu.ky/
you will find it at: http://observatory.ucci.edu.ky/
Below are several videos with Dr. Hrudey talking about his work at the Observatory
Dr. Hrudey talking about the Sun, his Life and his Work (8 Minutes)
TV Clip about the new 8 inch Solar telescope
(1 Minute) |
A description of the 12.5 inch "Pixie Twinkle" telescope
(2 Minutes) |
Radio Cayman Interview at the Observatory
(1 Minute) |
Opening of the "Solar" exhibition at the National Gallery
(6 Minutes) |
A black ribbon at the door of the Observatory 22 February 2018 (1 Minute)
8 Inch Solar scope built by Dr. Hrudey
8 Inch Solar scope built by Dr. Hrudey
This image, taken with the 8 Inch solar scope, shows a sun spot and the earth to scale
The 12 inch solar scope still in Dr. Hrudey's garage where it was built by him
There are three telescopes in the Observatory, all built by Dr. Hrudey.
A 12.5 inch nightime telescope and two solar telescopes (8 inch and 12 inch).
Currently two members of CIAS are trying to keep the equipment up and running.
However the UCCI campus is now closed because of the pandemic.
Till Sep. 2017 Dr. Bill Hrudey kept a Facebook page with info about his work at the Observatory.
See: www.facebook.com/UCCIObservatory
A 12.5 inch nightime telescope and two solar telescopes (8 inch and 12 inch).
Currently two members of CIAS are trying to keep the equipment up and running.
However the UCCI campus is now closed because of the pandemic.
Till Sep. 2017 Dr. Bill Hrudey kept a Facebook page with info about his work at the Observatory.
See: www.facebook.com/UCCIObservatory