Dun Echt Heliometer
Also known as the Lord Lindsay Heliometer and 4-inch Heliometer.
4.2 inch (10.6 cm)
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Index: Summary; History; Current; Technical; Source.
The Dun Echt Heliometer, also known as the Lord Lindsay Heliometer.
Source: Willie Koorts
In brief
Important Contributions:
First systematic measurement of stellar parallaxes. The result was "outstandingly successful".
Description:
Sir
David Gill purchased
this instrument privately from Lord Lindsay of Dun Echt
and with this instrument embarked upon the first systematic measurement
of stellar parallaxes.
Historical Background
Owners:
Where Located:
The Dun Echt Heliometer installed in Mauritius for the 1874 transit of Venus.
Source: Sky and Telescope, May 2004.
Current Information
Present Location:
Royal Observatory, Edinburgh
Owner:
Status:
Condition:
Technical Details
Type: Reflector / Refractor
Aperture:
Focal Length:
Mirror / Lens:
Mounting: Later used as mounting for the 18-inch
telescope.
Attachments:
Manufacturer:
Building: Housed in a dome on the North-East side of the Cape Observatory. This building was later demolished and a new Grubb dome built for the Cox Hargreaves 18-inch telescope.[Koorts - British, pp. 52 -53.]
Sources
Link
to the Main Bibliography
Section
and more information about Sources.
Documentation:
Pictorial Sources:
Bibliography:
- Koorts, W.: The 1882 transit of Venus: The British expeditions to South Africa; MNASSA April 2004, Vol. 63 nos. 3 & 4, pp. 34 - 57.
- Moore, P. & Collins, P., Astronomy in Southern Africa, p. 74 -75. (General Source)
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