Some of the History of the Townsend Observatory
In 1891, James Townsend presented Canterbury College with the Cooke 6-inch refractor telescope. At the same time the Astronomical Society of Christchurch offered to hand over their funds (about £420) on the understanding that the college would erect an observatory. Sadly Townsend died in 1894, before he could see his gift honoured.
In 1895 it was decided to use funds that had earlier been set aside for the establishment of a medical school to erect a biological laboratory and to include a tower for the telescope. The biological laboratory and tower were opened in March 1896, and the observatory was in place shortly afterwards.
Originally the dome used to house the Cooke refractor was constructed of canvas and wood. This had to be replaced in 1914 by another dome constructed of the same materials. By the time of the big snow in 1945, the dome had rotted again so that a replacement was again required.
It was to be another five years before the dome was replaced. This time however, Bernie Withers of the University Electrical Engineering Department had designed a solid steel geodesic dome. So in 1950 this dome was installed, and still provides much better protection from the elements and birds.
The Townsend Observatory Today
The Townsend Observatory is the only part of the Arts Centre still owned by the University of Canterbury. Each year the Department of Physics and Astronomy appoints a student as the Townsend Observer. Public viewing is held during the months of the year when there is no daylight saving.
Now restored to near new condition, the telescope offers good views of the Moon, planets, stars and star clusters and other bright objects. In late March 1996, the Townsend observatory reached its first 100 years…
The Townsend Observatory is located in the Christchurch Arts Centre. (Hereford Street side)
Opening Times
The Townsend Observatory is open to the public on clear and partly cloudy Friday nights during New Zealand Standard Time. (March to October). These public viewing sessions are operated free of charge for the promotion of astroonomy. However, a donations box is available and we welcome your donations to help support telescope maintenance and this programme of public viewing sessions.
Hours
Open: 8:00 pm. (weather permitting)
Close: 10:30 pm. (Depending on numbers and interest.)
Townsend Observatory may also be opened during special events or festivals. (For example the week long Kidsfest.)
The Townsend Observer may be contacted on 351.2234 or (021) 113.5930.
Additional information on what is in the sky during the month can be obtained by listening to the recorded message on (03) 379 8751.
Author: spacebaseadmin
Christchurch
Christchurch
New Zealand
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