At the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, State of Virginia is where astronomy enthusiasts can find the McCormick refracting telescope Observatory.
The founder of this refractor telescope observatory is Leander J. McCormick, a wealthy businessman, manufacturer and philanthropist. McCormick donated his personal money which was used to purchase a refracting telescope for the observatory. He also financed the construction of the observatory itself.
The refractor telescope was the largest astronomical telescope in the United States at the time of its completion. It was built by the famous scope lens makers Alvan Clark and Sons.
It is quite similar to the refractor at the United States Naval Observatory as both are made by Alvan Clark and Sons. Albeit it is said that the scope of the McCormick is of better quality than that of the USNO.
Other facts about the McCormick refracting telescope observatory are the following:
It is a 26 inch (66.04 centimeter) refractor telescope.
The dome of the observatory is 45 feet and has a three shutter design, making it the largest not only in the States but worldwide.
Presently the McCormick refracting telescope observatory is being used for astronomical researches, lectures, sky gazing sessions and public viewing. Likewise weather, meteorological and atmospheric studies and observations are done and taken at the observatory.
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