I wish I could see personally the 28 inch refracting telescope of the Royal Observatory. Majestic and imposing is how I can describe this refracting telescope as I see it in some pictures. And royal too, like how the observatory that houses it is called.
If you would like to see this famous astronomical telescope, visit the Royal Observatory which is found in Greenwich, London. The Royal Observatory was built in 1675 by Christopher Wren, architect and astronomer, being commissioned by the Charles II. The observatory was created not only for astronomical purposes but also in aid of navigation.
The 28 inch astronomical telescope of the Royal Observatory is United Kingdom’s largest refracting telescope and one to the world’s largest.
This famous scope is also known to the astronomy world as the Great Equatorial telescope, was not the original astronomical telescope in the Royal Observatory, but was a much fitting replacement to the Merz astronomical telescope.
It was constructed in 1893, and was commissioned by Royal Observatory astronomer William Christie. 28-inch refracting telescope it was called because its objective lens is 28 inches in diameter. It is 28 feet in length and over a ton (approximately 1.4) in weight.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Lowell Astronomical Telescope Observatory
In Flagstaff City, the state of Arizona you can find the Lowell astronomical telescope Observatory. Actually the Observatory has two operating locations in the city – with the main facility found on Mars Hill.
Mars Hill is where the 24 inches (or 60 centimeters) Clark Refracting Telescope is found.
The Clark Refracting Telescope was actually built in Massachusetts by Alvan Clark, well-known American astronomer, optician and builder of astronomical telescope, eyepieces and lenses, and responsible for building some of the most famous refracting telescope equipments in the United States.
The Clark refracting telescope is built in 1896 and presently available for public use.
The other Lowell observatory location is found in Anderson Mesa Station. While the Mars Hill houses a refracting telescope, the Lowell observatory Anderson Mesa station has some reliable reflecting telescope equipments:
The 72 inch Perkins reflecting telescope
The Lowell Observatory Near-Earth-Object Search Schmidt scope (astronomical telescope primarily for use on near earth astronomical objects)
The 42 inch John Hall reflecting telescope
And another 31 inch reflecting telescope (previously utilized for research by the USGS)
The Lowell telescope observatory has secured a place in astronomical history wherein its refracting telescope and reflecting telescope equipments played a major role in astronomical discoveries.
Presently Lowell observatory is undergoing construction of its largest scope, the Discovery Channel Scope, which will be operational few years from now.
Mars Hill is where the 24 inches (or 60 centimeters) Clark Refracting Telescope is found.
The Clark Refracting Telescope was actually built in Massachusetts by Alvan Clark, well-known American astronomer, optician and builder of astronomical telescope, eyepieces and lenses, and responsible for building some of the most famous refracting telescope equipments in the United States.
The Clark refracting telescope is built in 1896 and presently available for public use.
The other Lowell observatory location is found in Anderson Mesa Station. While the Mars Hill houses a refracting telescope, the Lowell observatory Anderson Mesa station has some reliable reflecting telescope equipments:
The 72 inch Perkins reflecting telescope
The Lowell Observatory Near-Earth-Object Search Schmidt scope (astronomical telescope primarily for use on near earth astronomical objects)
The 42 inch John Hall reflecting telescope
And another 31 inch reflecting telescope (previously utilized for research by the USGS)
The Lowell telescope observatory has secured a place in astronomical history wherein its refracting telescope and reflecting telescope equipments played a major role in astronomical discoveries.
Presently Lowell observatory is undergoing construction of its largest scope, the Discovery Channel Scope, which will be operational few years from now.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Lick Observatory's Refracting Telescope
Lick Observatory is the first refracting telescope and astronomical telescope observatory built on a mountain site.
Lick astronomical telescope Observatory is located on the top of Mount Hamilton, along the Diablo Range of California. It is under the supervision of the University of California.
It is for this reason that the construction was never easy but instead was a difficult and challenging task. Roads to the top had to be built to provide for a way for the horse-drawn wagons to bring the refracting telescope and other astronomical telescope equipments and construction materials.
The refracting telescope of the Lick Observatory was 36 inches or over 91 centimeters. During the time of its creation, this astronomical telescope was the largest refracting telescope, until it was taken over upon the creation of the Yerkes telescope.
Aside from its 36-inch refracting telescope, Lick also maintains astronomical instruments and other astronomical telescope as well as reflecting telescope equipments like the 3-m and 1-m Shane reflecting telescope, Coude Auxiliary Telescope, 36 inch Crossley Reflecting telescope, dual astrograph, and the Katzman Auto Image Telescope.
The Lick Observatory was built by millionaire James Lick, upon the influence of George Davidson, an astronomer who convinced him that the refracting telescope observatory would be a great legacy.
Lick astronomical telescope Observatory is located on the top of Mount Hamilton, along the Diablo Range of California. It is under the supervision of the University of California.
It is for this reason that the construction was never easy but instead was a difficult and challenging task. Roads to the top had to be built to provide for a way for the horse-drawn wagons to bring the refracting telescope and other astronomical telescope equipments and construction materials.
The refracting telescope of the Lick Observatory was 36 inches or over 91 centimeters. During the time of its creation, this astronomical telescope was the largest refracting telescope, until it was taken over upon the creation of the Yerkes telescope.
Aside from its 36-inch refracting telescope, Lick also maintains astronomical instruments and other astronomical telescope as well as reflecting telescope equipments like the 3-m and 1-m Shane reflecting telescope, Coude Auxiliary Telescope, 36 inch Crossley Reflecting telescope, dual astrograph, and the Katzman Auto Image Telescope.
The Lick Observatory was built by millionaire James Lick, upon the influence of George Davidson, an astronomer who convinced him that the refracting telescope observatory would be a great legacy.
Monday, June 19, 2006
USNO Refracting Telescope Observatory
The most recognized refracting telescope observatory – more popular then any other astronomical telescope and refracting telescope observatories in the United States and the world is that of the US Naval Observatory (USNO).
The US Naval Observatory is a very reliable authority in navigation and fundamental astronomy.
Thu US Naval Observatory is proud of its 26 inches (66 centimeters) refracting telescope. Students, visitors, tourists, stargazers can check on the astronomical telescope and facilities of the observatory as it is open to the public.
This famous astronomical telescope observatory was made and constructed by the firm Alvan Clark & Sons in 1873 and is originally located in the Foggy Bottom District of Washington DC. During that time, the astronomical telescope observatory was considered as having the world’s largest refracting telescope.
The owner of the firm, Alvan Clark, is a well-known astronomer and scientist. Aside from the refracting telescope of the US Naval Observatory, his telescope and lens making firm also ground lenses for the refracting telescope of the Yerkes Observatory, as well as that of the Lick Observatory.
Some of the more important scientific and astronomical achievements made with the USNO astronomical telescope observatory is the discovery by Asaph Hall, an American astronomer, of the planet Mars’ two moons in 1877, which were consequently named Phobos and Deimos.
The US Naval Observatory is a very reliable authority in navigation and fundamental astronomy.
Thu US Naval Observatory is proud of its 26 inches (66 centimeters) refracting telescope. Students, visitors, tourists, stargazers can check on the astronomical telescope and facilities of the observatory as it is open to the public.
This famous astronomical telescope observatory was made and constructed by the firm Alvan Clark & Sons in 1873 and is originally located in the Foggy Bottom District of Washington DC. During that time, the astronomical telescope observatory was considered as having the world’s largest refracting telescope.
The owner of the firm, Alvan Clark, is a well-known astronomer and scientist. Aside from the refracting telescope of the US Naval Observatory, his telescope and lens making firm also ground lenses for the refracting telescope of the Yerkes Observatory, as well as that of the Lick Observatory.
Some of the more important scientific and astronomical achievements made with the USNO astronomical telescope observatory is the discovery by Asaph Hall, an American astronomer, of the planet Mars’ two moons in 1877, which were consequently named Phobos and Deimos.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Kirkwood Refracting Telescope Observatory
The Kirkwood Refracting Telescope Observatory, which is located with the campus are of the Indiana University (IU) in Indianapolis is one of the many refracting telescope and astronomical telescope observatories found in the United States.
The most well known astronomical telescope of the Kirkwood Astronomical Observatory is the 12 inch (1 foot or .3 meter) refracting telescope.
Constructed in year 1900, the Kirkwood Refracting Telescope Observatory was named in honor of Daniel Kirkwood, a professor of mathematics at the Indiana University. Daniel Kirkwood is also an astronomer – he was the discoverer of the division or gaps found within the asteroid belt in our solar system called the Kirkwood Gaps.
Albeit the refracting telescope observatory is not open and available to the public the whole time of the year (it is open only on school months), when operational it is usually open to the public every Wednesday evening on a clear weather. The admission is free, and there is no need for prior reservations.
The refracting telescope of the observatory is used by the university’s college students for their astronomy and sciences course. In fact, the Kirkwood observatory is more known as a student observatory – primarily catering to students, especially that of the Indiana University. Other astronomical telescope of the observatory is the solar telescope, which is used by the astronomy students for studying the sun, its features, as well as the solar phenomena like the solar eclipse.
The most well known astronomical telescope of the Kirkwood Astronomical Observatory is the 12 inch (1 foot or .3 meter) refracting telescope.
Constructed in year 1900, the Kirkwood Refracting Telescope Observatory was named in honor of Daniel Kirkwood, a professor of mathematics at the Indiana University. Daniel Kirkwood is also an astronomer – he was the discoverer of the division or gaps found within the asteroid belt in our solar system called the Kirkwood Gaps.
Albeit the refracting telescope observatory is not open and available to the public the whole time of the year (it is open only on school months), when operational it is usually open to the public every Wednesday evening on a clear weather. The admission is free, and there is no need for prior reservations.
The refracting telescope of the observatory is used by the university’s college students for their astronomy and sciences course. In fact, the Kirkwood observatory is more known as a student observatory – primarily catering to students, especially that of the Indiana University. Other astronomical telescope of the observatory is the solar telescope, which is used by the astronomy students for studying the sun, its features, as well as the solar phenomena like the solar eclipse.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Yerkes Observatory's Refracting Telescope
Do you know where the Yerkes refracting telescope is? One of the largest refracting telescopes in the world, if not the largest (another large astronomical telescope – refractor is the Mount Wilson’s refracting telescope), it was built in 1897 by the Massachusetts astronomer, scientist and master optician Alvan Graham Clark. Clark’s family was engaged in producing astronomical telescopes and lenses – this definitely influenced Clark to be serious in his astronomical pursuits.
The university based astronomical observatory has the world famous refracting telescope as its centerpiece among its astronomical telescopes - two of which are the 41 inches and 24 inch reflecting telescopes. The Yerkes refracting telescope itself has a 40 inch lens and a focal length of 20 meters.
The University of Chicago in Williams Bay at Wisconsin is the proud location of the Yerkes observatory. Built in 1897 by famous astronomer George Ellery Hale, the observatory was funded by Charles Tyson Yerkes, a transport tycoon and financier from Chicago, hence the name of the observatory. Hale was instrumental in convincing Yerkes to finance the building of the observatory, pointing out the nobility of its purpose. And indeed, Charles Tyson Yerkes was convinced to involve himself in this ambitious project, but strongly insisted that the refracting telescope to be built should be the largest in the world.
Today, the Yerkes observatory provides access to its facilities – the refracting telescope as well as the other astronomical telescopes - for scientific and stargazing researches and pursuits.
The university based astronomical observatory has the world famous refracting telescope as its centerpiece among its astronomical telescopes - two of which are the 41 inches and 24 inch reflecting telescopes. The Yerkes refracting telescope itself has a 40 inch lens and a focal length of 20 meters.
The University of Chicago in Williams Bay at Wisconsin is the proud location of the Yerkes observatory. Built in 1897 by famous astronomer George Ellery Hale, the observatory was funded by Charles Tyson Yerkes, a transport tycoon and financier from Chicago, hence the name of the observatory. Hale was instrumental in convincing Yerkes to finance the building of the observatory, pointing out the nobility of its purpose. And indeed, Charles Tyson Yerkes was convinced to involve himself in this ambitious project, but strongly insisted that the refracting telescope to be built should be the largest in the world.
Today, the Yerkes observatory provides access to its facilities – the refracting telescope as well as the other astronomical telescopes - for scientific and stargazing researches and pursuits.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Refracting Telescope: On Brightness and Magnification
So you want to build a telescope just like how Galileo Galilei built his version of the refracting telescope – the Galileo Telescope.
If you are an astronomical newbie who wishes to start on the hobby not by buy an astronomical telescope but instead want to build a telescope – a refracting telescope – go ahead. The mechanics of building a refracting telescope are simple enough for someone with little knowledge about telescope to comprehend.
Likewise, if you are a dedicated and knowledgeable astronomy enthusiast – the refracting telescope is also an excellent stargazing instrument of choice. The refracting telescope can offer you vivid and crisp images of the moon, the planets and other sky objects within our Solar System.
In building your own “Galileo telescope”, you must realize not important fact – magnification of sky objects is not that all important!
What is magnification? It means enlarging sky objects such as the planets and stars in order for us to see and enjoy such objects’ more detailed features. The problem however is that many of these objects are so distant that magnification becomes useless. Even if we try enlarging the images, it is impossible for such images to come clear and vivid to us.
Which makes sense for you to try and get a larger objective lens for your refracting telescope. Larger objective lens means brighter, and hence more vivid sky objects to enjoy.
So in building a refracting telescope (your version of Galileo Telescope), you should put weight more on the brightness that your objective lens will bring to the images, rather than the magnification.
If you are an astronomical newbie who wishes to start on the hobby not by buy an astronomical telescope but instead want to build a telescope – a refracting telescope – go ahead. The mechanics of building a refracting telescope are simple enough for someone with little knowledge about telescope to comprehend.
Likewise, if you are a dedicated and knowledgeable astronomy enthusiast – the refracting telescope is also an excellent stargazing instrument of choice. The refracting telescope can offer you vivid and crisp images of the moon, the planets and other sky objects within our Solar System.
In building your own “Galileo telescope”, you must realize not important fact – magnification of sky objects is not that all important!
What is magnification? It means enlarging sky objects such as the planets and stars in order for us to see and enjoy such objects’ more detailed features. The problem however is that many of these objects are so distant that magnification becomes useless. Even if we try enlarging the images, it is impossible for such images to come clear and vivid to us.
Which makes sense for you to try and get a larger objective lens for your refracting telescope. Larger objective lens means brighter, and hence more vivid sky objects to enjoy.
So in building a refracting telescope (your version of Galileo Telescope), you should put weight more on the brightness that your objective lens will bring to the images, rather than the magnification.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Refracting Telescope: Today's Modern Galileo Telescope
Ever since the Galileo Telescope, as a refracting telescope, evolved to the modern optical instrument as it is today, more and more are using it as their choice for their astronomical and stargazing activities.
Galileo telescope was not the first refracting telescope. We all know all that Hans Lippershey build the first. Nonetheless, it was the first optical instrument to be used for serious astronomical and stargazing purposes. More or less, this type of astronomical telescope works on a similar concept as how the microscope does.
The monocular is a lightweight type of refracting telescope. Its bulk is half that of the binocular, and works by enlarging the object by letting light go through a couple of lenses as well as prisms.
Parts of refracting telescope
1. Hard Plastic or metal tube - this part of the telescope holds the scope lenses
2. Objective or convex glass lens located at the front of the tube – so-called because it is the lens closer to the particular object being viewed. This type of lens refracts the light it gathers, and focuses it at a point to the rear end of the tube. Objective lenses have longer focal lengths than the eyepieces. Focal length means the measure of how strong a lens focuses light. Long focal length means higher magnification power.
3. Eye Lens or Eyepiece - the lens nearer to the eye. Likewise a convex lens, it brings and magnifies the images to your eye.
Advantages of refracting telescope
1. Despite its tube length, it is easy to set-up and requires minimum maintenance
2. You would want to use a refracting telescope which is perfect for viewing the moons or the planets
3. Objective lens is fixed permanently to the telescope, thereby minimizing optical damage.
Disadvantages of refracting telescope
1. One major disadvantage: Because the lens bends the light it gathers, the result of the image is not very clear.
2. Because its aperture or hole through which light passes through is limited, it makes this telescope less capable of clearly viewing distant astronomical objects.
3. Its tube is longer, hence heavier than the reflecting telescope or Newtonian telescope.
Thanks to Galileo Galilei and his Galileo telescope, its evolution which is the refracting telescope of today has become one of the more reliable optical instruments for astronomical endeavors.
Galileo telescope was not the first refracting telescope. We all know all that Hans Lippershey build the first. Nonetheless, it was the first optical instrument to be used for serious astronomical and stargazing purposes. More or less, this type of astronomical telescope works on a similar concept as how the microscope does.
The monocular is a lightweight type of refracting telescope. Its bulk is half that of the binocular, and works by enlarging the object by letting light go through a couple of lenses as well as prisms.
Parts of refracting telescope
1. Hard Plastic or metal tube - this part of the telescope holds the scope lenses
2. Objective or convex glass lens located at the front of the tube – so-called because it is the lens closer to the particular object being viewed. This type of lens refracts the light it gathers, and focuses it at a point to the rear end of the tube. Objective lenses have longer focal lengths than the eyepieces. Focal length means the measure of how strong a lens focuses light. Long focal length means higher magnification power.
3. Eye Lens or Eyepiece - the lens nearer to the eye. Likewise a convex lens, it brings and magnifies the images to your eye.
Advantages of refracting telescope
1. Despite its tube length, it is easy to set-up and requires minimum maintenance
2. You would want to use a refracting telescope which is perfect for viewing the moons or the planets
3. Objective lens is fixed permanently to the telescope, thereby minimizing optical damage.
Disadvantages of refracting telescope
1. One major disadvantage: Because the lens bends the light it gathers, the result of the image is not very clear.
2. Because its aperture or hole through which light passes through is limited, it makes this telescope less capable of clearly viewing distant astronomical objects.
3. Its tube is longer, hence heavier than the reflecting telescope or Newtonian telescope.
Thanks to Galileo Galilei and his Galileo telescope, its evolution which is the refracting telescope of today has become one of the more reliable optical instruments for astronomical endeavors.
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