The Observatory’s origins were as a teaching facility. Although it status as a National Historic Landmark grew out of its use for pioneering research and instrument development, the Observatory continues into the 21st Century as a teaching facility. The instruments, furniture and other historic fabric of the Observatory has over the years has never been fully inventoried as a historic collection. The Department of Astronomy moved from the Observatory in 1979 and then again in 1994 to a new building. With each move some of the equipment and historic fabric was dispersed. Recognizing the value for instruction as well its’ historical significance, this inventory is the first step in locating, assessing, organizing, and ultimately preserving the Observatory’s collection. The inventory is needed to help protect the collection from unintentional loss, damage, or neglect, ensure its preservation, and plan for its instructional use.
Wood, brass, glass
Wooden box with hinged lid, barlow adapter, brass ring. Box measures 30” x 9” x 9”. The photometer is 24” long.
Telescopes are the eyes on the universe and an observatory typically has a variety of telescopes, some permanently mounted other portable. Telescopes…
The University of Illinois Observatory is historically significant for the development of selenium and photoelectric cell photometry that...
Recently Added Items
1) 24 ft. Dome section, tracing B2860, dated April 21, 1896. Stamped with…see more