Hamilton Astronomical Society Observatory

The Hamilton Astronomical Society Observatory is located next to the Hamilton Zoo in Brymer Road to the west of Hamilton City, New Zealand.[1] The Hamilton Astronomical Society was founded on 3 July, 1933[2] and is one of New Zealand's oldest astronomical societies.[3]

Hamilton Astronomical Society Observatory
LocationNew Zealand
Coordinates37°46′24″S 175°13′01″E
Altitude40 m (130 ft)
Telescopes
24" CassegrainClassical Cassegrain
Hamilton Astronomical Society Observatory is located in New Zealand
Hamilton Astronomical Society Observatory
Location of Hamilton Astronomical Society Observatory

The observatory instruments include two radio telescopes (32'/10m and 26'/8m diameter), and a range of optical instruments, including one 24" Classical cassegrain telescope, a 14" and 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, and one 12" Dobsonian telescope.[4]

The observatory is open to the public on the first and third Wednesdays of every month at 7:30pm (8:30pm during daylight saving).[5]

History

The Hamilton Astronomical Society's first dedicated meeting house was the observatory, built at the Hamilton Zoo site in 1984.[6] The observing dome for the 24" Classical Cassegrain telescope was completed in 1997, and opened by Sir Patrick Moore.

References
  1. "Hamilton Astronomical Society - About the Observatory". Hamilton Astronomical Society. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
  2. "An Observatory - Position in Hamilton - Society's hopes unfulfilled". Waikato Times. No. 20556. 21 July 1938. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  3. "Hamilton Astronomical Society - About the Society". Hamilton Astronomical Society. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
  4. "Hamilton Astronomical Society - Equipment". Hamilton Astronomical Society. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
  5. "Hamilton Astronomical Society - Public Viewing Nights". Hamilton Astronomical Society. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
  6. Anmer, Bessie (2005). Star struck : a brief history of the Hamilton Astronomical Society, 1933-2003. B. M. L. Amner. ISBN 9780473107550.
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