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.

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