Two identical 16 inch (40cm) telescopes
Note: Not to be confused with the Rockefeller 60-inch telescope at Boyden Observatory.
- In 1929 the Rockefeller Foundation provided funds for a twin 16 inch photographic refractor to study variable stars in the Milky Way and globular clusters.
- After delays with the lenses, the telescope was set up in 1938.
- The telescope was made up of two telescopes, each with an objective glass of 16 inches to be used for stellar astronomy. The telescopes were identical and the arrangement was designed as a safety measure. When a portion of the sky was photographed, both telescopes were loaded so that if one plate proved to be faulty for any one reason the other would probably prove correct.
- This telescope was one of the Leiden Instruments. Due to an agreement there was co-operation between Leiden and Union (Republic) Observatories. This instrument was initially set up at Union Observatory although it never belonged to them. Later it was moved to the Leiden Southern Station also known as Hartebeespoort.
- Leiden Observatory: 1938 – ?
- Pretoria Technikon: ? – present.
Aperture: 16 inch (40.6 cm)
Attachments: Photometers developed by Dr. Walraven.
- Moore, P. & Collins, P., Astronomy in Southern Africa, p.108, p.109.
- Moore, P. & Collins, P., Astronomy in Southern Africa, p.102, p.107. (General Source)
- Smits P. A Brief History of Astronomy in Southern Africa. (Unpublished)