The

University of Cambridge , mottoeng = Literal: From here, light and sacred draughts. Non literal: From this place, we gain enlightenment and precious knowledge. , established = , other_name = The Chancellor, Masters and Schola ...

has three large astronomy departments as follows: * The Institute of Astronomy, concentrating on theoretical astrophysics and optical, infrared and

X-ray An X-ray, or, much less commonly, X-radiation, is a penetrating form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation. Most X-rays have a wavelength ranging from 10 picometers to 10 nanometers, corresponding to frequencies in the range 30&nb ...

observations. * The Cavendish Astrophysics Group, concentrating on radio and submillimetre observations and instrumentation, observational cosmology and all aspects of astronomical

interferometry Interferometry is a technique which uses the ''interference'' of superimposed waves to extract information. Interferometry typically uses electromagnetic waves and is an important investigative technique in the fields of astronomy, fiber opt ...

, and operating the Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory. * The

Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics Department may refer to: * Departmentalization, division of a larger organization into parts with specific responsibility Government and military *Department (administrative division), a geographical and administrative division within a country, ...

and

Isaac Newton Institute The Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences is an international research institute for mathematics and its many applications at the University of Cambridge. It is named after one of the university's most illustrious figures, the mathema ...

in the Faculty of Mathematics, include theoretical astrophysics and cosmology amongst other disciplines There is frequent collaboration between departments as research interests overlap. The Kavli Institute for Cosmology at Cambridge (KICC) is operated jointly by the first two departments, with close connections to the third. It is located on the same site as the Institute of Astronomy. In 2013 the Cavendish Astrophysics group relocated to a new building, the Battcock Centre for Experimental Astrophysics, on the same site to foster further collaboration and integration.

History

Although Astronomy has been taught at the University of Cambridge since medieval times, the departmental structure has changed frequently, and all three of departments listed above were founded within the last two centuries. The first astronomical observatory at the University of Cambridge was built at the top of

Trinity College Trinity College may refer to: Australia * Trinity Anglican College, an Anglican coeducational primary and secondary school in , New South Wales * Trinity Catholic College, Auburn, a coeducational school in the inner-western suburbs of Sydney, New ...

gatehouse in 1704.

References

External links

* Th
Institute of Astronomy website
* Th
Cavendish Astrophysics Group website
* Th
Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics website
* Th
Kavli Institute for Cosmology at Cambridge website
* {{UCambridge-stub