McMath-Hulbert Observatory
Encyclopedia
The McMath-Hulbert Solar Observatory is a decommissioned solar observatory
in Lake Angelus, Michigan
, USA. It was established in 1929 as a private observatory by father and son Francis Charles McMath
and Robert Raynolds McMath
and their friend, Judge Henry Hulbert. In 1932 the observatory was deeded to the University of Michigan
which operated it until 1981, at which time it was sold into private ownership again.
In 1932 a 10.5 inches (26.7 cm) reflector telescope was added to the observatory as well as a spectroheliokinematograph {spectro-helio-kine-mato-graph}. This instrument was designed to take motion pictures of the Sun. The McMath-Hulbert Solar Observatory is primarily known for the motion pictures that the McMaths made of various celestial phenomena, including the first movies of solar prominence
s in motion. Later work involved solar spectroscopy
in the near infrared and participation in a solar flare
patrol program in the 1950s.
Robert McMath and one of the resident astronomers, Keith Pierce, established the McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope
at Kitt Peak Observatory near Tucson, Arizona
in 1962.
Solar observatory
A solar observatory is an observatory that specializes in monitoring the Sun. As such, they usually have one or more solar telescopes.The Einstein Tower was a solar observatory in the Albert Einstein Science Park in Potsdam, Germany....
in Lake Angelus, Michigan
Lake Angelus, Michigan
Lake Angelus is a city in North Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 290, making it Michigan's smallest incorporated city.-Geography:...
, USA. It was established in 1929 as a private observatory by father and son Francis Charles McMath
Francis Charles McMath
Francis Charles McMath was an American engineer and amateur astronomer.He became successful in the bridge-building industry, and was president of the Canadian Bridge and Iron Company in Detroit...
and Robert Raynolds McMath
Robert Raynolds McMath
Robert Raynolds McMath was a U.S. solar astronomer.Robert R. McMath was a bridge engineer, businessman, and astronomer. Robert's father, Francis C. McMath, had made a fortune as a bridge builder. They both had a keen interest in amateur astronomy. So in 1922, the McMaths, along with Judge Henry S...
and their friend, Judge Henry Hulbert. In 1932 the observatory was deeded to the University of Michigan
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan...
which operated it until 1981, at which time it was sold into private ownership again.
In 1932 a 10.5 inches (26.7 cm) reflector telescope was added to the observatory as well as a spectroheliokinematograph {spectro-helio-kine-mato-graph}. This instrument was designed to take motion pictures of the Sun. The McMath-Hulbert Solar Observatory is primarily known for the motion pictures that the McMaths made of various celestial phenomena, including the first movies of solar prominence
Solar prominence
A prominence is a large, bright feature extending outward from the Sun's surface, often in a loop shape. Prominences are anchored to the Sun's surface in the photosphere, and extend outwards into the Sun's corona...
s in motion. Later work involved solar spectroscopy
Spectroscopy
Spectroscopy is the study of the interaction between matter and radiated energy. Historically, spectroscopy originated through the study of visible light dispersed according to its wavelength, e.g., by a prism. Later the concept was expanded greatly to comprise any interaction with radiative...
in the near infrared and participation in a solar flare
Solar flare
A solar flare is a sudden brightening observed over the Sun surface or the solar limb, which is interpreted as a large energy release of up to 6 × 1025 joules of energy . The flare ejects clouds of electrons, ions, and atoms through the corona into space. These clouds typically reach Earth a day...
patrol program in the 1950s.
Robert McMath and one of the resident astronomers, Keith Pierce, established the McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope
McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope
The McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope is a 1.6-m f/54 reflecting solar telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona, USA. The building was designed by Myron Goldsmith and built in 1962. It is the largest telescope of its kind in the world and is named for astronomers Robert McMath and Keith...
at Kitt Peak Observatory near Tucson, Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Tucson is a city in and the county seat of Pima County, Arizona, United States. The city is located 118 miles southeast of Phoenix and 60 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border. The 2010 United States Census puts the city's population at 520,116 with a metropolitan area population at 1,020,200...
in 1962.
See also
- Angell Hall ObservatoryAngell Hall ObservatoryAngell Hall Observatory is an astronomical observatory owned and operated by University of Michigan. It is located on the UM Central Campus on top of Angell Hall in Ann Arbor, Michigan...
- List of astronomical observatories
- ObservatoryObservatoryAn 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...
- Solar TelescopeSolar telescopeA 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:...
External links
- Timeline of McMath-Hulbert Observatory
- Clear Sky Clock, or astronomy weather forecasts for McMath-Hulbert