Buhl Planetarium and Its Telescope Observatory

Located in the northern side of Pittsburgh, the Buhl Planetarium or Buhl Science Center opened in 1939 and became a major planetarium and astronomy center in the United States.

Two years later its refracting telescope observatory became operational, and become known as the People’s Observatory, aptly named as it was dedicated to the public. Very much involved with the founding of the People’s Observatory was Harlow Shapley, a well known American scientist and astronomer of Harvard College Observatory, who dedicated it to the public in 1941. (The moon’s Shapley crater was named after him.)

The People’s Observatory featured its major refracting telescope instrument – the 25.4 centimeter (10 inch) Siderostate refractor telescope.

Actually before the 10 inch refracting telescope came to be used by the astronomical observatory, a 10.16 centimeter (4 inch) Zeiss scope was bought by Buhl. But it was apparent upon its use and checking of its specifications and astronomical and optical functions that they made the mistake of purchasing the Zeiss scope.

So the 25.4 centimeter refracting telescope immediately took over upon its acquisition albeit the Zeiss refractor is still being used at the Henry Buhl, Jr. Planetarium.

The planetarium also has an observatory dome where astronomical enthusiasts and find and use a Mead reflecting telescope.