Reversible Transit Circle
6 inch Telescope (15 cm)
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.
Index:
Summary;
History;
Current;
Technical;
Source
Photo gallery
In brief
Important Contributions:
This telescope was for a long time the only active transit instrument in the Southern Hemisphere.
Description:
- Designed
by David
Gill.
Became the pattern for most transit circles made since.
- This telescope was in continuos use for observing the planets and selected stars to provide a fundamental system of star positions which is the observational basis of dynamic astronomy, accurate geodesy and of the determination of stellar motions.
- Instrument was the main source for the southern portion of the Fundamental Katalog (FK4)
Historical Background
Owner:
Cape
Observatory
Where Located:
Cape Observatory
Current Information
Present Location:
S.A.A.O.
(used to be the Cape Observatory)
Owner:
S.A.A.O.
Status:
Condition:
Technical Details
Type: Refractor
Aperture: 6 inch (15.24 cm)
Focal Length:
Lens:
Mounting:
Attachments:
Manufacturer: Troughton and Simms. [Laing, p.13.]
Maintenance:
- Completed 1905 [Laing, p.29.]
- The instrument was modernised in 1950 and 1960 [Laing, p.17; p. 9.]
Sources
Link
to the Main Bibliography
Section
and more information about Sources.
Documentation:
Pictorial Sources:
- Laing, J.D. (ed.), The Royal Observatory at the Cape of Good Hope 1820 - 1970 Sesquicentennial Offerings.
Bibliography:
- Collins, P. & Moore, P.; Astronomy in Southern Africa, p79.
- Laing, J.D. (ed.), The Royal Observatory at the Cape of Good Hope 1820 - 1970 Sesquicentennial Offerings, p.13; p.17; p.29.
- Smits, P., A Brief History of Astronomy in Southern Africa. (Unpublished)
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