- Chamberlin Observatory
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Chamberlin Observatory 
Chamberlin Observatory, circa 1900.Organization University of Denver Location 2930 E. Warren Ave., Denver, Colorado, U.S.A. CoordinatesAltitude 1651 meters (5417 feet) Weather See the Clear Sky Chart Established 1890 Website
Chamberlin Observatory homepageTelescopesAlvan Clark-George N. Saegmuller 20-inch aperture, f/15 refractor Chamberlin Observatory is an astronomical observatory owned and operated by University of Denver. It is located in Denver, Colorado (USA) in Observatory Park. It is named for Humphrey B. Chamberlin, a Denver real estate magnate who pledged $50,000 in 1888 to build and equip the facility.
The observatory building was designed by Robert S. Roeschlaub, with the astronomical aspects and functions designed by Professor Herbert Alonzo Howe after he visited many observatories in the east. It was modeled after the Goodsell Observatory at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, and constructed from rusticated red sandstone blocks. The Romanesque structure includes a central rotunda and domed roof. Construction began in 1890.
The 20-inch objective lens for the observatory's main refracting telescope was made by Alvan Clark & Sons, and the mount was built by George Nicholas Saegmuller. The mount rests on a cast iron pillar which is in turn supported by a massive stone pier. Assembly of the telescope was supervised by Professor Herbert Alonzo Howe. The telescope saw first light in 1894.[1][2]
As of 2011, the Denver Astronomical Society hosts several public outreach events at the observatory every month.[3] As it is located in a large metropolitan area, the observatory is heavily affected by light pollution, which limits its use in scientific research.
See also
- List of observatories
References
- ^ Stencel, Robert E. "Chamberlin Observatory homepage". Welcome to the Virtual Tour. http://www.du.edu/~rstencel/Chamberlin/. Retrieved December 16, 2005.
- ^ Stencel, Claire M.; Stencel, Robert E. (2006). Denver's Great Telescope. Denver: University of Denver Astronomy Program. ISBN 0-9762017-2-0. https://portfolio.du.edu/pc/port.detail?id=167325. Retrieved October 29, 2011.
- ^ "The University of Denver's Historic Chamberlin Observatory". Denver Astronomical Society. http://www.denverastro.org/chamberlin.html. Retrieved October 29, 2011.
External links
- Chamberlin Observatory Clear Sky Chart Forecasts of observing conditions.
- Denver Astronomical Society Public Outreach Includes events at the observatory
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Category:National Register of Historic Places • 
Portal:National Register of Historic PlacesCategories:- Astronomical observatories in Colorado
- 1890 establishments
- National Register of Historic Places in Denver, Colorado
- University of Denver
- Education in Denver, Colorado
- Visitor attractions in Denver, Colorado
- Denver, Colorado stubs
- Astronomical observatory stubs
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