ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN AFRICA
 
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Astrographic Refractor

13 inch refractor with 10 inch guiding telescope

Photo Gallery:
Astrographic Refractor

Index:

Summary; History; Current; Technical; Sources; Links:

In brief

Important Contributions:

Description:

  • Sir  David Gill's photographic work was very important. ("Father of Astrophotography"). The Royal  Cape Observatory became one of the working centres for the Paris Observatory Astrophotographic Catalogue "Carte  Du Ciel" (CDC). This telescope was the main operative instrument.
  • This was the main instrument used for the Cape Photographic Catalogue (CPC 50).
  • Since  1943 this instrument was used for precision photometry, firstly by the Fabry method and later photo-electrically.
Historical Background

Owner:
Cape Observatory

Where  Located:
Cape Observatory
Current Information
Present  Location:

Owner:

Status:

Condition:
Technical Details

13 inch


Type: Refractor
Aperture: 13 inch (33 cm)
Focal Length:
Lens:
Mounting:
Attachments:
Manufacturer:
Maintenance:

  • Built  in 1889
  • Overhauled and modernised during 1957


10 inch


Type: Refractor
Aperture: 10 inch (25.4 cm)
Focal Length:
Lens:
Mounting:
Attachments:
Manufacturer:
Maintenance:

  • Built  in 1889
  • Overhauled and modernised during 1957

Sources

Link to the Main Bibliography Section and more information about Sources.

Documentation:

Pictorial Sources:
 Moore,  P. & Collins, P., Astronomy in Southern Africa, p.77. No. 5 & 11 (possible drawings / not sure)

Bibliography:

  • Laing,  J.D. (ed.), The Royal Observatory at the Cape of Good Hope 1820 - 1970 Sesquicentennial Offerings. P.17; p.29.
  • Moore, P. & Collins, P., Astronomy in Southern Africa, p.79. (General Source)
Links
Interesting Links:
Link to Objects Lost and / or Found.
Link to a short History of Astronomy in Southern Africa.
Link to a Time Line to see how Events on this page relates to the bigger time dimension.
Link to view the Achievements and other Interesting Aspects of Southern African Astronomers.
Link to the Telescope Manufacturers.
Link to the Main Bibliography Section and more information about Sources and the Archive.

Director Historical Section: Chris de Coning - siriusa@absamail.co.za

Webmaster: Christian Hettlage - webmaster@assa.saao.ac.za