University of Illinois Observatory Building -- A Virtual Tour

A little history

The old University of Illinois Observatory, which contains a 12" Brashear refractor, was built in 1896. Although the telescope has long since been rendered obsolete for research purposes, it has a long history of astronomical research under its belt. In particular, observers at the University of Illinois did extensive work with early photoelectric devices in the early 20th century -- a major step forward in quantitative measurements of stellar properties.

University of Illinois alumnus Mike Svec has compiled an extensive history of the observatory building and the instruments it has housed.

Current status

None of the instruments in the observatory building are being used for research. Currently, the 12" refractor is being used principally by two groups: (1) astronomy classes at the University, which use the telescope as a teaching instrument, and (2) members of the University of Illinois Astronomical Society (UIAS), a student organization on campus.

The Astronomy Department and the UIAS invite you to step in and around the observatory --- if only via the Web -- through this page.

Because of recent (summer/fall 1996) renovations to the dome, some of the features and objects displayed in this page have changed markedly since some of these photos were taken. In particular, the interior walls in the dome room have been stripped and repainted.

The stars are back! Club members painted new patterns on the dome walls.

All photographs copyright © 1996, 1997, David Nash.

Exterior:

• West side of observatory
• Plaque commemorating the placement of the Observatory on the National Register of Historic Places.

Ground Floor:

• Antique 6" equatorial refractor. On the wall behind the scope is a photo of M97, the Owl Nebula; the slanting wall on the left hand side is the exterior of the support pier for the 12" refractor.
• UIAS club instrument #1: 10" f/6 homebuilt Dobsonian reflector
• UIAS club instrument #2: Rocker box of 12" f/6 computer controlled Dobsonian. This instrument frequently goes with the UIAS to star parties.

Observing Dome (Second Floor):

• 12" f/15 Refractor
  • The 12" refractor itself, the main instrument in the observatory. It is mounted on a German equatorial mount, and can easily be moved by hand when properly balanced.
  • Another view of the 12".
• Support Structure for the 12" Telescope.
  • Support pier for the 12" refractor. The pier goes all the way down to bedrock -- well below the basement of the observatory building.
  • Another view of the pier. The port on the right hand side of the pier allows viewing of the drive motor for the equatorial mount.
• Observer Equipment
  • Observer's desk, with logbooks, sidereal and UT clocks, and a red-light lamp.
  • Wheeled observer's chair. A necessity for objects close to the horizon.
• Fun Stuff
  • From the exterior balcony around the dome, you can get a good view of the University of Illinois's main library.
  • Several walls of the dome room had constellation designs painted on them. With the recent dome renovations, the original star patterns were, unfortunately, painted over. However, in early November, 1996, after all the internal renovations were finished, club members painted new star patterns, broadly similar to the older, now-lost ones:
    • One big wall is devoted to Orion and surroundings.
    • Closeup of Orion
    • Across this door and wall behind the desk are the bright stars of Virgo. Spica is in the lower left.
    • The Water Jar of Aquarius straddles this doorjamb.
    • Near the motorized track for the dome lurk Delphinus, Sagitta, and the head of Aquila.
  • We're not sure who this was, but club members consider this a reminder to watch out for the counterweights.

Basement:

• Even astronomers need refreshment from time to time.

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