Old Melbourne Observatory

The Melbourne Observatory in the Royal Botanic Gardens once housed the largest telescope in the world, The Great Melbourne Telescope.

Great Melbourne Telescope

The Great Melbourne Telescope was constructed in 1868 in Ireland by Hershcell for the Melbourne Observatory. For 20 years it was the largest in the world. The telescope was acquired by Woolley for Mount Stromlo, and was transferred to site in 1955.

During the middle of the 19th century the Government of Victoria voted the sum of £5000 for the construction of a large equatorial telescope to be erected at the Melbourne Observatory.

1n 1868 the completed telescope arrived in Australia, reaching Melbourne in November of that year; it was ready for work by the end of June 1869, and the observations commenced in August of the same year.

The Great Melbourne Telescope was for many years after 1869 employed in the revision of nebulae and clusters in the hope of recording any changes which may have occurred since the time of Sir John Herschel's observations of the same material at the Cape of Good Hope in the years 1834-38.

For the complete story visit the excellent web site link below...

THE BOTANIC GARDEN

An online Newsletter for the Botanic Gardens of Australia - No.3 July 2002

‘Shooting the Stars’ and ‘Transits, Tea and Trigonometry’: new interpretive exhibitions in the Old Melbourne Observatory.

New exhibitions will open soon in the Astrograph, South Equatorial and Photoheliograph telescope houses at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.

The interpretive exhibitions within these telescope houses are part of the final stage of the restoration of the Old Melbourne Observatory. The restoration of the heritage-listed buildings within the Observatory started back in the early 90s, and to date has included extensive landscaping, the construction of a major new visitor complex, the creation of a gateway to the Royal Botanic Gardens, and relocation and refurbishment of LaTrobe’s Cottage.

In 1863, 17 years after the Royal Botanic Gardens was founded, the Melbourne Observatory opened with the purpose of establishing correct Melbourne time. As the reliability and accuracy of time improved, kept accurate by the stars, the role of the Melbourne Observatory moved to astrophysics and projects, such as mapping the southern sky.

In 1887 the Melbourne Observatory joined an international project to make a photographic record of the whole sky – then an estimated 40 million stars. This was arguably one of the Melbourne Observatory’s and the world’s largest projects to be undertaken by 19th century scientists.

This project has been possible with the generous support of the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust.

Through these exhibitions visitors will have the opportunity to explore the site and discover the history, mystery and objects of the Old Melbourne Observatory, the essential role it played in the development of our city and its contribution to world-wide scientific knowledge. The exhibitions also share with the community the human stories of the Old Melbourne Observatory, both as a workplace and community.

Saturn returns

During autumn Saturn, with its spectacular ring system, will grace the night sky.

Join us as we open the roof of Melbourne's historic Observatory and view Saturn, the show piece of the cosmos. Star gaze with our expert astronomical guides and discover more about the amazing array of stars and planets that light up the southern night sky.

When: Monday evenings: 7.30pm – 9pm 19 and 26 May 2009.
Where: Meet at the Visitor Centre, Observatory Gate.
Bookings & enquiries: Tel: (03) 9252 2429. Bookings required.

Web Link: Old Melbourne Observatory

Old Melbourne Observatory

Birdwood Ave, South Yarra Victoria Australia. View Map

	View Same Topic Listings \| View Listings in South Yarra
Update \| Advise Changes to this information

Go back to previous page..

TOP OF PAGE

Friday 03 Sep 2010

9°C