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Cook Telescope
Become an astronomer with your visit to the Phoebe Waterman Haas Public Observatory and its Cook Memorial Telescope. Harvard University purchased the telescope from Boller & Chivens in 1966 for its Oak Ridge Observatory. The telescope was used to train students and to teach the public. In 1969 it was dedicated to Chester Sheldon Cook, a friend of the Oak Ridge Observatory.
During the International Year of Astronomy in 2009, Harvard loaned the telescope to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. The Museum's goal was to "bring a telescope to the people." The telescope was so popular that Harvard gave it to the Smithsonian.
During daylight hours, the telescope may be pointed at Venus. Smaller telescopes attached to it allow safe views of the Sun. During evening hours, it is often used to observe planets, double stars, and nebulae.
Inside the Observatory
Visitors can safely observe the Sun at the Public Observatory using a "Sun Gun" attached to the 4-inch finderscope.
Viewing the Sun:
The Cook Memorial Telescope's finderscope is often used with a "Sun Gun" to project a white light image of the Sun. This unfiltered but safe view of the Sun's surface, including any visible sunspots and darkening at the edge.
The telescope is named for Chester Sheldon Cook, an optician, pianist, long-time member of the Amateur Telescope Makers of Boston and friend of the Oak Ridge Observatory.
Pencil sketch by M. Gagan, 2/5/50; courtesy of Anna Sudarich Hillier; historian of the Amateur Telescope Makers of Boston.
<-- The historic 16-inch reflecting telescope inside the Public Observatory.
How to Learn More:
http://airandspace.si.edu/observatory |