The Townsend Observatory
Visitors' Guide
The Cooke 6-Inch Refractor Telescope
The Townsend telescope was made in 1864 by Cooke and Sons of York and
London. Whether it was made for James Townsend or not is not
clear, nor is the exact time of its arrival in New Zealand.
However it is known that James Townsend used it to observe the
1882 transit of the Sun by Venus. The telescope was installed
at James Townsend's home in Park Terrace until, in his
seventies, James Townsend wished to donate his prize possession
to the community.
Some of the History of the Townsend Observatory
In 1891, James Townsend presented Canterbury College with the Cooke
6-inch refractor telescope. At the same time the Astronomical
Society of Christchurch offered to hand over their funds (about
£420) on the understanding that the college would erect an
observatory. Sadly Townsend died in 1894, before he could see
his gift honoured.
In 1895 it was decided to use funds that had earlier been set aside for
the establishment of a medical school to erect a biological
laboratory and to include a tower for the telescope. The
biological laboratory and tower were opened in March 1896, and
the observatory was in place shortly afterwards.
Originally the dome used to house the Cooke refractor was constructed of
canvas and wood. This had to be replaced in 1914 by another
dome constructed of the same materials. By the time of the
big snow in 1945, the dome had rotted again so that a
replacement was again required.
It was to be another five years before the dome was replaced. This time
however, Bernie Withers of the University Electrical
Engineering Department had designed a solid steel geodesic
dome. So in 1950 this dome was installed, and still provides
much better protection from the elements and birds.
The Townsend Observatory Today
The Townsend Observatory is the only part of the Arts Centre
still owned by the University of Canterbury. Each year the
Department of Physics and Astronomy appoints a student as the
Townsend Observer. Public viewing is held during the months of
the year when there is no daylight saving.
Now restored to near new condition, the telescope offers good views of
the Moon, planets, stars and star clusters and other bright
objects. In late March 1996, the
Townsend observatory reached its first 100 years...
The Townsend Observatory is located in the Christchurch Arts Centre.
(Hereford Street side)
Opening Times
The Townsend Observatory is open to the public on clear and partly
cloudy Friday nights during New Zealand Standard Time. (March
to October). These public viewing sessions are operated free of
charge for the promotion of astroonomy. However, a donations box
is available and we welcome your donations to help support
telescope maintenance and this programme of public viewing
sessions.
Hours
Open: 8:00 pm. (weather permitting)
Close: 10:30 pm. (Depending on numbers and interest.)
Townsend Observatory may also be opened during special events or
festivals. (For example the week long Kidsfest.)
The Townsend Observer may be contacted on 351.2234 or (021) 113.5930.
Additional information on what is in the sky during the month can be
obtained by listening to the recorded message on (03) 379
8751.
Host Institution: Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University of Canterbury
This page is maintained by John Hearnshaw