Boyden Observatory
Encyclopedia
Boyden Observatory is a South African astronomical
research observatory and science education centre.
at Mount Hardvard near Lima
, Peru
, but relocated to Arequipa
, Peru
in October 1890.
Significant work done at Arequipa include the discovery of Phoebe
, an outer moon of Saturn
, by William Henry Pickering
using photographic plates captured with the 24 inches (61 cm) Bruce Astrograph.
In 1927 the observatory was moved to its present location just south of the small resort of Maselspoort, north-east of the city of Bloemfontein
, South Africa
, and is managed by the University of the Free State
. It was named after Uriah A. Boyden
, who in 1879 left in his will $238,000 to Harvard College Observatory
to be used for astronomical purposes. Its first and longtime director was John S. Paraskevopoulos
.
and part of the Probing Lensing Anomalies Network
.
Andrew Ainslie Common
figure
d a mirror in 1885 (and another in 1890) for a 60 inches (152.4 cm) Newtonian reflecting telescope (later converted to a Cassegrain), but the telescope fell into disuse and was bought by the Harvard College Observatory
from Common's estate. The primary 60 inches (152.4 cm) mirror was re-figured in 1933 and along with a new mount it was installed at Boyden.
In the mid-1960s the Hamburg engineering firm of Heidenreich and Harbeck was contracted to build a new mirror cell for the telescope in order to reduce the problems experienced due to the thinness of the mirror and the fact its back surface was not flat. Shortly afterward the old Common primary mirror was replaced by a new 60 inches (152.4 cm) mirror from Loomis.
In 2001 the telescope received a major upgrade by DFM Engineering
. This upgrade included a new control system, modifications to the mirror cell, and a new primary light shield.
was commissioned by the Nagoya University
and constructed by Nishimura Co. Ltd. in 2000.
robotic telescope
developed by the University College Dublin
and the University of the Free State
. The primary function of the telescope is visual spectrum observation following Gamma-ray bursts.
and various smaller mobile telescopes.
seating 100 people inside and 200 people on its roof for open-air sky shows, the main telescope buildings, smaller telescope buildings, a lecture room, store room, the ASSA
Bloemfontein clubhouse, observation platforms and various vantage points.
Boyden Observatory performs professional astrophysics
research using the 1.5 meter reflector. In addition to the research program, the observatory
runs an active educational program for school children from all backgrounds as well as for members of the public, attracting thousands of visitors each year. In 1966, this observatory discovered four asteroids.
is administered by the Physics Department of the University of the Free State
. The Friends of Boyden assist the observatory
as a public support group, organising open evenings and protecting its public interest. Boyden also makes use of members of ASSA
Bloemfontein
Centre, the amateur astronomy
club of the city, for presenters and telescope assistants.
is constantly experiencing growth in visitor numbers and the extension of its facilities. Medium term plans call for e.g. the establishment of an educational walking route for visitors to appreciate the diverse natural life in the area, a museum and science exhibition areas, upgrading of the educational telescope facilities etc. Long term plans include the construction of a digital planetarium
and the completion of the fully-fledged Science Hall.
Astronomy
Astronomy is a natural science that deals with the study of celestial objects and phenomena that originate outside the atmosphere of Earth...
research observatory and science education centre.
History
The observatory was originally founded in 1889 by the Harvard UniversityHarvard University
Harvard University is a private Ivy League university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, established in 1636 by the Massachusetts legislature. Harvard is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and the first corporation chartered in the country...
at Mount Hardvard near Lima
Lima
Lima is the capital and the largest city of Peru. It is located in the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac and Lurín rivers, in the central part of the country, on a desert coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Together with the seaport of Callao, it forms a contiguous urban area known as the Lima...
, Peru
Peru
Peru , officially the Republic of Peru , is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean....
, but relocated to Arequipa
Arequipa
Arequipa is the capital city of the Arequipa Region in southern Peru. With a population of 836,859 it is the second most populous city of the country...
, Peru
Peru
Peru , officially the Republic of Peru , is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean....
in October 1890.
Significant work done at Arequipa include the discovery of Phoebe
Phoebe (moon)
Phoebe is an irregular satellite of Saturn. It was discovered by William Henry Pickering on 17 March 1899 from photographic plates that had been taken starting on 16 August 1898 at the Boyden Observatory near Arequipa, Peru, by DeLisle Stewart...
, an outer moon of Saturn
Saturn
Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun and the second largest planet in the Solar System, after Jupiter. Saturn is named after the Roman god Saturn, equated to the Greek Cronus , the Babylonian Ninurta and the Hindu Shani. Saturn's astronomical symbol represents the Roman god's sickle.Saturn,...
, by William Henry Pickering
William Henry Pickering
William Henry Pickering was an American astronomer, brother of Edward Charles Pickering. He was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1883.-Work:...
using photographic plates captured with the 24 inches (61 cm) Bruce Astrograph.
In 1927 the observatory was moved to its present location just south of the small resort of Maselspoort, north-east of the city of Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein is the capital city of the Free State Province of South Africa; and, as the judicial capital of the nation, one of South Africa's three national capitals – the other two being Cape Town, the legislative capital, and Pretoria, the administrative capital.Bloemfontein is popularly and...
, South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
, and is managed by the University of the Free State
University of the Free State
The University of the Free State is situated in Bloemfontein, the capital of the Free State, South Africa. The university also has a satellite campus in Qwaqwa that was, until 2003, part of the University of the North.-Academic Divisions:...
. It was named after Uriah A. Boyden
Uriah A. Boyden
Uriah Atherton Boyden was a Boston inventor and mechanical engineer. He was the brother of Seth Boyden....
, who in 1879 left in his will $238,000 to Harvard College Observatory
Harvard College Observatory
The Harvard College Observatory is an institution managing a complex of buildings and multiple instruments used for astronomical research by the Harvard University Department of Astronomy. It is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, and was founded in 1839...
to be used for astronomical purposes. Its first and longtime director was John S. Paraskevopoulos
John S. Paraskevopoulos
John Stefanos Paraskevopoulos was a Greek/South African astronomer. He was born in Piraeus, Greece and graduated from the University of Athens. He served in the Greek army during the Balkan Wars and World War I. In 1919, he went to America for two years, spending part of that time working at...
.
UFS-Boyden Rockefeller telescope
A 60 inches (152.4 cm) reflectorReflecting telescope
A reflecting telescope is an optical telescope which uses a single or combination of curved mirrors that reflect light and form an image. The reflecting telescope was invented in the 17th century as an alternative to the refracting telescope which, at that time, was a design that suffered from...
and part of the Probing Lensing Anomalies Network
Probing Lensing Anomalies Network
The Probing Lensing Anomalies NETwork collaboration coordinates a network of telescopes to rapidly sample photometric measurements of the magnification of stars in the galactic bulge undergoing gravitational microlensing by intervening foreground stars...
.
Andrew Ainslie Common
Andrew Ainslie Common
Andrew Ainslie Common FRS was an English amateur astronomer best known for his pioneering work in astrophotography.-Biography:...
figure
Figure
Figure may refer to:*A shape, drawing, or representation*Figure, wood appearance*Musical figure, distinguished from musical motif*Shaping a mirror on a reflective telescope*Noise figure, in telecommunication*Dance figure, an elementary dance pattern...
d a mirror in 1885 (and another in 1890) for a 60 inches (152.4 cm) Newtonian reflecting telescope (later converted to a Cassegrain), but the telescope fell into disuse and was bought by the Harvard College Observatory
Harvard College Observatory
The Harvard College Observatory is an institution managing a complex of buildings and multiple instruments used for astronomical research by the Harvard University Department of Astronomy. It is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, and was founded in 1839...
from Common's estate. The primary 60 inches (152.4 cm) mirror was re-figured in 1933 and along with a new mount it was installed at Boyden.
In the mid-1960s the Hamburg engineering firm of Heidenreich and Harbeck was contracted to build a new mirror cell for the telescope in order to reduce the problems experienced due to the thinness of the mirror and the fact its back surface was not flat. Shortly afterward the old Common primary mirror was replaced by a new 60 inches (152.4 cm) mirror from Loomis.
In 2001 the telescope received a major upgrade by DFM Engineering
DFM Engineering
DFM Engineering is an American telescope and optics manufacturer. DFM Engineering was founded in 1979 by Dr. Frank Melsheimer. DFM makes medium size Cassegrain telescopes and their associated systems including telescope optics, control systems, and mounts. A range of pre-designed telescopes are...
. This upgrade included a new control system, modifications to the mirror cell, and a new primary light shield.
Alvin Clark telescope
A 13 in (33 cm) refractor named after Alvin Clark. The telescope is over a century old.Nishimura telescope
This 16 in (40.6 cm) reflectorReflecting telescope
A reflecting telescope is an optical telescope which uses a single or combination of curved mirrors that reflect light and form an image. The reflecting telescope was invented in the 17th century as an alternative to the refracting telescope which, at that time, was a design that suffered from...
was commissioned by the Nagoya University
Nagoya University
Nagoya University is one of the most prestigious universities in Japan. It can be seen in the several rankings such as shown below.-General Rankings:...
and constructed by Nishimura Co. Ltd. in 2000.
Watcher telescope
This is a 40 cm (15.7 in) f/14.25F-number
In optics, the f-number of an optical system expresses the diameter of the entrance pupil in terms of the focal length of the lens; in simpler terms, the f-number is the focal length divided by the "effective" aperture diameter...
robotic telescope
Robotic telescope
A robotic telescope is an astronomical telescope and detector system that makes observations without the intervention of a human. In astronomical disciplines, a telescope qualifies as robotic if it makes those observations without being operated by a human, even if a human has to initiate the...
developed by the University College Dublin
University College Dublin
University College Dublin ) - formally known as University College Dublin - National University of Ireland, Dublin is the Republic of Ireland's largest, and Ireland's second largest, university, with over 1,300 faculty and 17,000 students...
and the University of the Free State
University of the Free State
The University of the Free State is situated in Bloemfontein, the capital of the Free State, South Africa. The university also has a satellite campus in Qwaqwa that was, until 2003, part of the University of the North.-Academic Divisions:...
. The primary function of the telescope is visual spectrum observation following Gamma-ray bursts.
Other
A 20 cm (7.9 in) Coelostat solar telescopeSolar telescope
A solar telescope is a special purpose telescope used to observe the Sun. Solar telescopes usually detect light with wavelengths in, or not far outside, the visible spectrum.-Professional solar telescopes:...
and various smaller mobile telescopes.
Facilities
Facilities include the main building where the original offices were and where the library is, the resident astronomer's house, a state-of-the-art auditoriumAuditorium
An auditorium is a room built to enable an audience to hear and watch performances at venues such as theatres. For movie theaters, the number of auditoriums is expressed as the number of screens.- Etymology :...
seating 100 people inside and 200 people on its roof for open-air sky shows, the main telescope buildings, smaller telescope buildings, a lecture room, store room, the ASSA
Astronomical Society of Southern Africa
The Astronomical Society of Southern Africa , formed in 1922, is a body consisting of both amateur and professional astronomers. The Council of ASSA meets in Cape Town. There are eight autonomous centres throughout Southern Africa.-History:...
Bloemfontein clubhouse, observation platforms and various vantage points.
Research and discoveries
| Asteroid Asteroid Asteroids are a class of small Solar System bodies in orbit around the Sun. They have also been called planetoids, especially the larger ones... s discovered: 4 |
|
|---|---|
| 4301 Boyden 4301 Boyden 4301 Boyden is a main-belt asteroid discovered on August 7, 1966, at the Boyden Observatory outside Bloemfontein, South Africa. It is named for American inventor and mechanical engineer Uriah A. Boyden.- External links :*... |
August 7, 1966 |
| 5298 Paraskevopoulos 5298 Paraskevopoulos 5298 Paraskevopoulos is a main-belt asteroid discovered on August 7, 1966 at Bloemfontein.- External links :*... |
August 7, 1966 |
| 11781 Alexroberts 11781 Alexroberts - External links :*... |
August 7, 1966 |
| 14310 Shuttleworth 14310 Shuttleworth - External links :*... |
August 7, 1966 |
Boyden Observatory performs professional astrophysics
Astrophysics
Astrophysics is the branch of astronomy that deals with the physics of the universe, including the physical properties of celestial objects, as well as their interactions and behavior...
research using the 1.5 meter reflector. In addition to the research program, the observatory
Observatory
An observatory is a location used for observing terrestrial or celestial events. Astronomy, climatology/meteorology, geology, oceanography and volcanology are examples of disciplines for which observatories have been constructed...
runs an active educational program for school children from all backgrounds as well as for members of the public, attracting thousands of visitors each year. In 1966, this observatory discovered four asteroids.
Administration
The observatoryObservatory
An observatory is a location used for observing terrestrial or celestial events. Astronomy, climatology/meteorology, geology, oceanography and volcanology are examples of disciplines for which observatories have been constructed...
is administered by the Physics Department of the University of the Free State
University of the Free State
The University of the Free State is situated in Bloemfontein, the capital of the Free State, South Africa. The university also has a satellite campus in Qwaqwa that was, until 2003, part of the University of the North.-Academic Divisions:...
. The Friends of Boyden assist the observatory
Observatory
An observatory is a location used for observing terrestrial or celestial events. Astronomy, climatology/meteorology, geology, oceanography and volcanology are examples of disciplines for which observatories have been constructed...
as a public support group, organising open evenings and protecting its public interest. Boyden also makes use of members of ASSA
Astronomical Society of Southern Africa
The Astronomical Society of Southern Africa , formed in 1922, is a body consisting of both amateur and professional astronomers. The Council of ASSA meets in Cape Town. There are eight autonomous centres throughout Southern Africa.-History:...
Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein is the capital city of the Free State Province of South Africa; and, as the judicial capital of the nation, one of South Africa's three national capitals – the other two being Cape Town, the legislative capital, and Pretoria, the administrative capital.Bloemfontein is popularly and...
Centre, the amateur astronomy
Amateur astronomy
Amateur astronomy, also called backyard astronomy and stargazing, is a hobby whose participants enjoy watching the night sky , and the plethora of objects found in it, mainly with portable telescopes and binoculars...
club of the city, for presenters and telescope assistants.
Proposed Extensions
The observatoryObservatory
An observatory is a location used for observing terrestrial or celestial events. Astronomy, climatology/meteorology, geology, oceanography and volcanology are examples of disciplines for which observatories have been constructed...
is constantly experiencing growth in visitor numbers and the extension of its facilities. Medium term plans call for e.g. the establishment of an educational walking route for visitors to appreciate the diverse natural life in the area, a museum and science exhibition areas, upgrading of the educational telescope facilities etc. Long term plans include the construction of a digital planetarium
Planetarium
A planetarium is a theatre built primarily for presenting educational and entertaining shows about astronomy and the night sky, or for training in celestial navigation...
and the completion of the fully-fledged Science Hall.
See also
- South African Astronomical ObservatorySouth African Astronomical ObservatorySouth African Astronomical Observatory is the national center for optical and infrared astronomy in South Africa. It was established in 1972. The observatory is run by the National Research Foundation of South Africa. The facility's function is to conduct research in astronomy and astrophysics...
- Astronomical Society of Southern AfricaAstronomical Society of Southern AfricaThe Astronomical Society of Southern Africa , formed in 1922, is a body consisting of both amateur and professional astronomers. The Council of ASSA meets in Cape Town. There are eight autonomous centres throughout Southern Africa.-History:...
- Other optical observatories and telescopes in South Africa
- Union ObservatoryUnion ObservatoryUnion Observatory was an astronomical observatory located in the suburb Observatory, Johannesburg, South Africa. It bears IAU code 078.Known as the Transvaal Observatory in its early years, it became the Republic Observatory in 1961...
- Natal ObservatoryNatal ObservatoryThe Natal Observatory was an astronomical observatory in the Colony of Natal from 1882 to 1911...
- Union Observatory
- Radio observatories and telescopes in South Africa
- Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy ObservatoryHartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy ObservatoryThe Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory is a radio astronomy observatory located in a natural bowl of hills at Hartebeesthoek just south of the Magaliesberg mountain range, Gauteng, South Africa, about 50 km west of Johannesburg...
- MeerKATMeerKATMeerKAT is a radio telescope under construction in the Northern Cape of South Africa. It will be the largest and most sensitive radio telescope in the southern hemisphere until the Square Kilometer Array is completed around 2024.The telescope will be used for research into cosmic magnetism,...
- Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory
- Magnetic observatories in South Africa
- Hermanus Magnetic ObservatoryHermanus Magnetic ObservatorySANSA Space Science, previously the Hermanus Magnetic Observatory is South Africa's national geomagnetic research facility. The observatory is situated in the town of Hermanus in the Western Cape Province and forms part of the South African National Space Agency.The observatory is an active...
- Hermanus Magnetic Observatory