An old image of the viewing end of a then big telescope ..

[Cath]

Found it here ..

http://www.zroor.com/large-telescopes-and-why-we-need-them-professor-carolin-crawford

[Saganite]

What a great picture. It would be nice to know which telescope it is.

Even better to look through it!

Ah well..... one day when the numbers come up, I shall buy a big telescope in the country with its own little house.

[symesie04]

Interesting, another one of her lectures well worth a look is this: http://www.zroor.com/when-galaxies-collide-professor-carolin-crawford

[K3ny0n]

wow.

Rob.

[LukeSkywatcher]

You dont/didnt actually just look at/through that rather large window on the scope do/did you?.

Crikey!!!!!!!!!!!

[Seafury]

He's saying" is that a 2 inch diagonal"?

[John]

WOnderfulo photo - I think thats the Yerkes 40 inch refractor

This is where you would put the diagonal on that monster

[LukeSkywatcher]

WOnderfulo photo - I think thats the Yerkes 40 inch refractor

This is where you would put the diagonal on that monster

Good thing its a refrac and wouldnt need collimation.

[gajjer]

Yes. I'll have one.

Have it delivered.

The thing that always amazes me is that that thing has to be positioned using gears that must be massive but at the same time accurate.

I'd love to know how they did it.

Thanks Cath

gaj

[LukeSkywatcher]

The Victorian's over-engineered most things. Just look at some of the recipes they had. Something as simple as making a jelly was a mission and a half.

[Beulah]

The Victorian's over-engineered most things.

Just as well, as a lot of stuff they have built is still around today, being used.

[m.tweedy]

looks like they had a job lot of ships steering wheels going cheap at the time

[LukeSkywatcher]

Just as well, as a lot of stuff they have built is still around today, being used.

Good point. They most likely did a better job then most could or would today.

[John]

Good point. They most likely did a better job then most could or would today.

Here is some of that sort of engineering but created much more recently by Tim Wetherell who is a member here :

http://www.wetherellart.co.uk/sculpture_greatwetherellrefractor.html

Another of Tim's wonderful telescope projects:

http://www.wetherellart.co.uk/sculpture_oddie2.html#art

I think they have been posted on here before but I don't tire of looking at them

[gajjer]

Here is some of that sort of engineering but created much more recently by Tim Wetherell who is a member here :

http://www.wetherellart.co.uk/sculpture_greatwetherellrefractor.html

Another of Tim's wonderful telescope projects:

http://www.wetherellart.co.uk/sculpture_oddie2.html#art

I think they have been posted on here before but I don't tire of looking at them

They are absolutely beautiful.

Thanks for sharing.

cheers

gaj

[kev]

Fantastic scopes that exude quality

Sent from my iPhone so excuse the typos!

[Carina Lass]

This pair of opposed pistons is half  of the winding engine at  Astley Green  Colliery the drum is behind the lady in the picture.

This still runs when they do exhibitions. (sadly on compressed air as the Lancashire Boilers are all gone.

Victorians knew how to build.

[LukeSkywatcher]

Here is some of that sort of engineering but created much more recently by Tim Wetherell who is a member here :

http://www.wetherellart.co.uk/sculpture_greatwetherellrefractor.html

Another of Tim's wonderful telescope projects:

http://www.wetherellart.co.uk/sculpture_oddie2.html#art

I think they have been posted on here before but I don't tire of looking at them

Works of art. I bet they perform as well as they look.

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

That would indeed be the Yerkes refractor:

http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/resources/explorations/groundup/lesson/scopes/yerkes/

Great engineering feat

[mikeDnight]

I'm sure I've seen this scope advertised on First Lights web site! It comes with a soft carry bag and shoulder strap, and a light weight aluminium tripod to keep it portable.

Mike

[LukeSkywatcher]

I'm sure I've seen this scope advertised on First Lights web site! It comes with a soft carry bag and shoulder strap, and a light weight aluminium tripod to keep it portable.

Mike

You're thinking of Hubble.

[RichM63]

Nah, the postage costs for the FLO Hubble are Astronomical!

I love looking at old or ground breaking kit, pity I can't afford one of the newer versions.