Thursday, August 31, 2006

Paris Observatory

One of the oldest refracting telescope observatories is the Paris Observatory of France. Built in the year 1667, the Paris Observatory is considered an institution when it comes to scientific researches in Physics and Astronomy.

This European astronomical observatory has a long standing constitution which contains its important missions such as scientific researches, imparting knowledge to the general public and scientific collaboration with other countries.

Most of the astronomical researches are on the topics in Astrophysics and Astronomy, specifically the history of sciences, specifically stellar physics (as well as the physics of the galaxies), systems involving the planets, the sun and the solar system and the gravitational waves.

The Observatory is composed of an Institute and a scientific unit and five other scientific observatories. It is also where the International Time Bureau is found until it was dissolved in 1987.

It also owns an 83 centimeter (32.68 inches) refracting telescope and has a solar observatory set up at Meudon, which is 9 kilometers south of Paris, France. Meudon is a commune built on the hills of Seine. Most astronomical observations are done on this place.

Monday, August 28, 2006

A Kid's Refracting Telescope Experience

Ask any kid from Middle School about what he knows about scopes and surely enough he would mention terms like reflecting or refracting telescope or even Galileo telescope.

These astronomical instruments, especially the refractor, are the simplest and easiest to be taught and learned in any science class. These are the scopes that are drawn on cardboards and posted on the wall of the classroom.

If a science teacher would bring his class to a nearby astronomical observatory for a viewing of the planets such as Mars and Jupiter, or the moon's craters or the stars, more often than not, the instrument that they would be using is a refracting telescope.

If a kid is showing some keen interest on knowing more about the heavenly bodies, stars and planets, he would inevitably turn to his parents and bug them for some real, serious scopes for his star gazing activities.

Discount telescope gadgets are available in many scope and optical shop and dealers, and they certainly offer some great refractors with all the nice features - these are perfect for parents who are looking to impress their kid with a refractor that is seeming perfect for him. Nonetheless, it is something that is inexpensive being a discount telescope.

Children who grow up loving astronomy and loving to learn the science, also definitely has the refractor as his first telescope to learn about.

Friday, August 25, 2006

Discount Telescope

Refracting telescope is very popular because it is simple, easy to use and requires little maintenance. It is a favorite scope to use for amateur astronomy.

If you are a stargazing enthusiast or hobbyist who is serious about astronomy and really wanting to buy a good refracting telescope but is on a tight money situation, then you might want to try going for a discount telescope.

Actually, the best refracting telescope is one that's pricey; the more expensive your refractor is, the better and excellent its features are.

The good news is, there are telescope and optical instrument stores that sell discount telescope straight from the factory. This significantly reduces the price of the product, making it affordable to many.

Likewise, there are lots of reliable scope dealers that you may check online on the internet. These online scope shops can provide prospective buyers with a wide array of telescope products that's heavily discounted making it easier on the pocket. All you have to do is to carefully check which shop offers the astronomical telescope that is appropriate for your budget and star gazing requirements.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Refracting Telescope: Preferred Scope of Many

It is really a wonder why the refracting telescope has not been manufactured for professional in the last many years. Has it being eclipsed by the more modern and high technology telescope instruments.

For me, the refractor telescope is one of the best, if not the best scope ever discovered.

And despite its simplicity, it is a reliable, scientific instrument that is perfect for stellar, lunar and planetary studies, researches and observations.

Actually, some of the more modern refracting telescope instruments allow astronomers and scientists to view much distant objects such as the nebulae and galaxies. It has immense optical power when it comes to the capacity to gather light.

So why then is the refractor not utilized professionally anymore? Perhaps because of its technical flaw known as the Chromatic Aberration that diminishes its over-all importance and performance as an astronomical telescope. (Chromatic aberration is when fringes of colors appear around an image.)

Or simply because more telescopes of superior quality have since been invented.

Nonetheless, this scope is still the scope of choice for many astronomy enthusiasts and stargazing hobbyists. Even the ordinary man's description of a telescope would very well be that of a refractor.

A word of advice: avoid discount telescope when you wish to own a refracting telescope. When it comes to owning this kind of scope, it is not worth scrimping on money and just buy a discount telescope.

If you are really into serious astronomy and stargazing, save up to be able to buy a more expensive one that has all the features appropriate to your needs.

Monday, August 21, 2006

Few Do's and Don'ts About Your Astronomical Telescope

On trying to have your own astronomical telescope

Instead of contemplating on buying a cheap telescope from the toy section of a department store, go to a reliable telescope dealer and check out inexpensive discount telescope which might be available.

If you are really hard up on money, and can’t afford even a discount telescope, try building a one of your own. Refracting telescope has very few and simple parts – this is the ideal type of telescope that you might want to assemble. Try rubbing in on your kids or brother your interest in astronomy by asking them to assist you in your telescope making.

On proper use of refracting telescope

Always avoid touching the objective lens or eyepiece of your refracting telescope or any scope that you might have.

See to it that the telescope is properly and securely mounted. Correct mounting affords you to have the ideal viewing and star gazing.

After every use, store your telescope in a safe and clean place, away from dust particles. Secure a hood cover for protection if you can.

Put on some lens cap for protection and to keep you from touching it.

Friday, August 18, 2006

Dominion Observatory

In Ottawa, Canada is where we can found the Dominion Observatory, which is patterned to that of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich.

The Dominion Observatory is founded by Frederick King, which also acted as the observatory’s chief astronomical scientist.

The observatory’s original function is to provide Canada’s primary longitude and determine and distribute time to Canada’s Parliament and other government offices.

Likewise, another more important task of the observatory scientists was to research on variations of gravity and its relation to the Earth and its mineral resources.

With a 38 centimeter refracting telescope as its primary astronomical telescope, the construction of the Dominion Observatory was finished in the year 1905.

The refracting telescope was acquired on April of 1905. Since then, this astronomical telescope became available to the viewing public every weekend. In 1974, it was transferred to the Canada Science and Technology Museum where it is presently being used.

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Hook Your Kids to Astronomy

To belong to the field of astronomy must be very exciting and full of adventure. Often times I would imagine myself as a staff at NASA, perhaps a member of huge group of people that's responsible for sending manned spacecrafts into place.

Or perhaps an astro-scientist whose assignment is regularly checking out what the Hubble Space Telescope has been capturing via photo in space.

Well it might be late for some of us to make career changes. The next best thing is to see if our kids are as interested as we are in astronomy. And if so, try to encourage them further and helping them build a sure and clear path into this field.

Some common-knowledge advices on encouraging kids to involve themselves in Astronomy:

Bring them to planetarium and observatories where there are regular film showing on the planets and the sun and stars. Check observatories which allow their refracting telescope or reflecting telescope instruments to public use.

Tell them great stories about astronomers such as Galileo Galilei and Wilhelm Herschel and their exploits of the heavens, discoveries and contribution to the science of astronomy.

You can further to inspire your kids than to give them a telescope. A nice inexpensive refracting telescope will do. It is a simple instrument for the kids to very much understand and learn about its parts and their function.

It would be much better if you can build with your kids a simple refracting telescope. All you need are two lenses, which are the objective lense and the eyepice lense. Also you will be needing a long plastic tube that will hold the two lenses.

Building this refracting telescope with your kids will surely build up much interest in astronomy. Moreso when the refractor is done and they would get to enjoy great moments of stargazing.

Monday, August 14, 2006

Refracting Telescope and Chromatic Aberration

The refracting telescope is the earliest instrument used for serious astronomical study and has earned a very important place in the history of astronomy.

From the earliest Galileo telescope and the simple refractor telescope of Hans Lippershey, to the modern refractor – this device is by far one of the most prolific when it comes to astronomical discoveries.

It is also one of the simplest; anyone can build a refractor telescope following its basic principle. You can assemble a simple scope if you have in hand any long tube and two lenses, which would act as the eyepiece and objective lenses.

This is as opposed to the reflecting telescope. Instead of objective lens and eyepiece, basically mirrors for gathering and magnifying light are used by the reflecting telescope.

Indeed, the refractor is an efficient instrument used for viewing distant objects such as planets or even stars.

However, the refracting telescope is a flawed instrument.

Have you heard of chromatic aberration? It is an optic occurrence wherein different wavelengths of lights that pass through a lens are caused to likewise have different focal lengths. And since every color of the spectrum can’t be focused at a common point of the optical axis, the image is surrounded with colors.

This optical defect is minimized, if not corrected, by using achromatic optics or doublets. These achromats are equipped with materials that are bonded to form one lens. This in turn helps in minimizing the degree of chromatic aberration.

Many glass materials are being utilized in minimizing chromatic aberration. Glass containing fluorite are said to be the best in reducing this optical defect in refracting telescope.

Friday, August 11, 2006

Uppsala Astronomical Observatory

In Sweden is where you can find a popular astronomical observatory named Uppsala Astronomical Observatory. It goes back to the 1700’s when Ander Celsius, a professor of the astronomical sciences in Uppsala University, founded the observatory and made his astronomical researches and studies there. Most researches at the Uppsala involve galaxies, solar system and solar atmosphere.

The Uppsala Astronomical Observatory is under the supervision of the Uppsala University’s Department of Astronomy.

The astronomical telescope instruments of Uppsala Observatory

Refracting Telescope. This double refractor telescope was acquired by the Uppsala Observatory from the government through the efforts of Professor Nils Duner. The optical system of the refracting telescope were manufactured and built by the Steinheil from Munich in Germany while the refractor’s mechanics were built by Repsold.

The instruments were utilized mainly for purposes of research and astronomical studies, the most significant of which are those which involved the double stars.

The prolific refracting telescope has produced numerous spectral and photographic plates which are now included in the observatory’s rich archive.

Reflecting Telescope. A Westerlund Cassegrain telescope, it is found on the Angstrom Laboratory. This 90 centimeter reflecting telescope is now used for student researches as well as professional astronomical studies.

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Carter Observatory

One of the most popular observatories in New Zealand, the Carter Observatory can be found in the area of the Botanical Garden in Wellington.

The Carter Observatory was founded and built thru the generosity of a New Zealand politician and wealthy farmer Charles Carter, hence the name.

The observatory became operational in the year 1941 and became a major institution of New Zealand for scientific and astronomical research. Housing a reflecting and refracting telescope instruments, it also promotes astronomical researches undertaken by non professional astronomers.

Presently the Carter Observatory is recognized by the title “The National Observatory of New Zealand.”

Carter’s Refracting Telescope

One of the main astronomical telescope instruments of the observatory. More popularly known as the Cooke refractor, this 9 ¾ inch refracting telescope is named in honor of Thomas Cooke, the famous maker of instruments.

This refractor is used mainly for public sky gazing and viewing.

Carter’s Reflecting Telescope

The Observatory also serves as the site for the Ruth Crisp Telescope, a 41 cm reflecting telescope which was purchased and acquired for astronomical use in 1968.

Zeiss Projector

Carter also operates and maintains a planetarium, which comprises a theatre, some shops, and a Zeiss Projector.

Monday, August 07, 2006

Allegheny Observatory

In the City of Allegheny of Pennsylvania, the Allegheny refracting telescope observatory as founded on the 15th of February, 1859. Situated in Riverview Park, the observatory is a part of the University of Pittsburgh. Consequently, the some residents of the city created an astronomy and telescope group, the Allegheny Telescope Association.

Presently, the Allegheny Observatory is recognized as one of the major telescope and research observatories in the world. Originally intended for general public use, the observatory’s refracting telescope and astronomical equipments are currently utilized for astronomical researches as well as for the science requirements of the University’s students.

The refractor telescope and reflecting telescope instruments

The Allegheny observatory has one reflecting telescope and two refracting telescope instruments in use.

Keeler Memorial Reflecting Telescope. Found on the second biggest dome, it was named in home of the observatory’s director, James Keeler. Built by Brashear Optical Company in 1906, the Keeler was known for its study and observations of the sun.

Fitz Clark Refracting Telescope. This 13 inch scope by built in 1861 by Henry Fitz. The second name “Clark” was added after a magnificent repair by Alvan Clark Company. Of the three scopes, the Fitz was the one primarily used for tour groups and star gazing activities.

Thaw refractor telescope. Donated by William Thaw Jr, it is located under the biggest dome of the observatory. Constructed in 1912 also by Brashear Optical Company. The main function of the Thaw scope was photographic – it is one of the most prolific in the world in terms of photographic plates.

Friday, August 04, 2006

McCormick Observatory

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.

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Lippershey, Galileo, or della Porta?

Who deserves more recognition in the invention of the refracting telescope?

Many historians would be fast in giving credit to Galileo Galilei. Galilei’s Galileo Telescope was actually the first refractor that was used to study the stars and heavens seriously.

Galileo is actually recognized as the “Father of the modern refracting telescope.”

Others would contend that Hans Lippershey, a lens maker originally from Germany but later migrated to the Netherlands, was actually the inventor of the refracting telescope.

A popular story is that Lippershey’s children were playing and tinkering on two lenses. The children were delighted that the images of objects that they see through the lenses appear larger.

Lippershey noticed this, begun working around the mechanics and was build to build a crude refractor.

Another “inventor” of the refractor?

But did you know that many historians are considering a prominent academician from Naples, Italy, Giambattista della Porta, as the one who deserves the credit in the invention and development of the astronomical telescope in question?

Giambattista della Porta is a scholar and expert on many fields such as cryptology, and also has a wealth of knowledge on lenses and eyepieces. He made claims about being the one who invented the refractor, albeit he was not able to present the invented optical instrument to support his claim.