Twin Rockefeller
Two identical 16 inch (40cm) telescopes
Note:
Not to be confused with the Rockefeller
60-inch
telescope at Boyden Observatory.
Interesting Links:
Link to Objects Lost
and / or Found.
Link to a short History
of Astronomy
in Southern Africa.
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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.
Index:
Summary;
History;
Current;
Technical;
Source
The 16 inch Rockefeller twin astrograph at Leiden Southern Station, Hartebeespoort.
Photo Credit: David Stevenson. Source: Moore.
In brief
Important Contributions:
Description:
- 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.
Historical Background
Owners:
Where Located:
Current Information
Present Location:
Hartebeespoort
Owner:
Pretoria Technikon
Status:
Condition:
Technical Details
Type: Refractor
Aperture: 16 inch (40.6 cm)
Focal Length:
Lens:
Mounting:
Attachments: Photometers developed by Dr. Walraven.
Manufacturer:
Sources
Link
to the Main Bibliography
Section
and more information about Sources.
Documentation:
Pictorial Sources:
- Moore, P. & Collins, P., Astronomy in Southern Africa, p.108, p.109.
Bibliography:
- 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 (Unpublished).
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