Largest Telescopes in the Philippines

Here is another Philippine astronomy demographic regarding the largest telescope in the Philippines. In terms of astronomical optics "bigger is better". When the aperture (diameter of objective lens/mirror) of a telescope is larger it results to higher light gathering power, resolution, and useful magnification.

Manila Observatory

• Aperture: 19" Merz Refractor
  
• Historically the largest telescope in the Philippines, and in Asia during its time
• Destroyed by the Japanese during the Battle of Manila
  

PAGASA Astronomical Observatory

• Aperture: 18" (45 cm)
• Focal:
• Type: Reflector
• Status: In use, however mount is misaligned due to sinking ground of the observatory.
• Location: UP Diliman, Quezon City  

 

Akutsu Cebu Observatory

• Aperture: 18"
• Type: Newtonian Reflector (homemade)
• Status: Recently transported from Japan (2023), and to be opened to the public on 4 March 2023
  
• Location: Bonbon, Cebu City

 also,

• Aperture: 14"
• Type: Schmidt-Cassegrain
   

 

 Science Centrum

• Aperture: 17.5" 
• Focal: f/4.5
• Type: Reflector
• Status: Currently unknown (was previously on display in the Makati branch)
  
• Location: N/A

Stardust Observatory

• Aperture: 16"
• Focal: f4.5
• Type: Reflector
• Status: Maintained
• Location: South Drive, Baguio City

 *The C14 previously listed has been sold. A RASA 11 is now currently installed in its place

UP NISMED Observatory

• Aperture: 16" (40 cm)
• Focal:2000 mm
  
• Type: Reflector
• Status: Maintained

also,

• Aperture: 8"
• Focal:
• Type: Refractor (largest refractor currently in the Philippines)
• Status: Maintained 

 

Rizal Technological University

• AstroTech 16
• Aperture: 16" (40 cm)
• Focal: --
• Type: Ritchey-Chretien
• Mount: Paramount ME
• Status: Functional
• Location: Currently housed in the Alnitak Observatory
  

also,

• PlaneWave Instruments CDK14
• Aperture: 14" (35.56 cm)
• Focal: 2563 mm
• Type: Corrected Dall-Kirkham Astrograph
• Mount: Astrophysics GTO 1100
• Status: Functional
  

also,

• Meade, LX850
• Aperture: 14" (35.56 cm)
• Focal: 2845 mm, f/8 [with focal reducer for f/5]
• Type: Schmidt-Cassegrain
• Status: Functional
• Location: Currently housed in the Mintaka Observatory
  

 

New Era University

• Aperture: 16"
• Type: Ritchey-Chretien
• Status: Functional
  

Christopher Go

• Celestron, C14
• Aperture: 14"
• Focal:
• Type: Schmidt-Cassegrain
• Status: Maintained

Exploreum

• Celestron, C14
• Aperture: 14"
• Focal:
• Type: Schmidt-Cassegrain
• Status: Unknown (Exploreum permanently closed down during the pandemic)
  

Information gathered with assistance from the Philippine Astronomy Forum.
Last updated on 19 February 2023