Visit to the old observatory in Ghent

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Last week I was in the jury of an astronomy PhD defense in Ghent, and got a tour of the old observatory. They have a beautiful Steinheil 9" F/11 refractor on a Cooke and Sons mount in a lovely wooden dome.

Apparently, they still have open evenings every week, weather allowing. It was pouring with rain, so no luck. 

 

[JeremyS]

Beautiful 👍🏻

[Swoop1]

That looks almost Steampunk. Love a bit of retro kit.

I was trying to think what it reminded me of. I just got it- the care that has been taken on that scope reminds me of the time I spent polishing the bronze cannons that used to sit either side of the sentry post at Four Corners-the border between Gibraltar and Spain. I can hear the Company Sergeant Major now- "More Chuffing elbow grease Private Swoop!"

Edited September 19, 2021 by Swoop1