Elektra Observatories is looking to build a new telescope outside of Ottawa called the One Metre Initiative.
 
The new telescope will be one of the most advanced in the world, allowing Canadian scientists to pursue advanced research never done before in Canada, said project manager Frank Roy.
 
The new telescope will be robotic and used strictly for imaging, not viewing. It has an exceptionally large range of view allowing scientists to see asteroids, supernovas, earth-like planets, and astronomic activity occurring over short periods of time, Roy said.
 
"We know that the performance of this telescope will allow us to produce good science. Everything has been done to create the best possible images. From what we know it will make significant contributions to science," Roy said.
 
Located on Mallory Hill, about two and a half hours outside of Ottawa, Roy said he hopes it will encourage both Carleton and the University of Ottawa to develop their astrophysics and astronomy programs.
 
The president of the Carleton University Astrophysics Society (CUAPS), Chad Greene, agreed that the new telescope will provide opportunities for students.
CUAPS has pledged their full support for the project in hopes of raising awareness for astronomy at Carleton.
 
"It is our mandate to encourage people to look at the sky and become more familiar with astronomy in the Carleton community. The One Metre Initiative will help encourage this," Greene said.
 
The project is still in the early stages and is primarily focused on getting the necessary funding, Roy said.
"When we get the funding, it will be about three years until it is operational," Roy said.
 
Upon completion, OMI will be available for public use, said Roy.
 
"Schools, teachers, colleges and general public can book time on the telescope when it’s finished. We do that to expose young people to the beauty of the night sky and science," Roy said.
 
Until the project is completed, Roy said he encourages people to visit Mallory Hill and view the sky.
 
"There are 10,000 stars to see with your naked eye. It’s quite astonishing to see your home galaxy just two hours from Ottawa. It’s inspiring to see where we are in the universe," he said.