I hope you will find things among my random thoughts that resonate with you and yours. I'd love to read your reactions in the Comments, and I'll be sure to visit you in return. Best regards, Mary

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Yerkes Observatory


Operated by the University of Chicago at Williams Bay, Wisconsin

One of many astronomical observatories throughout the world, it claims to be "the birthplace of modern astrophysics". Completed in 1895 with a lens diameter of 40 inches, the Yerkes remains to this day the largest achromatic refracting telescope used for scientific purposes.

The 40-inch Diameter Refracting Telescope

                                         1897 Photo                                              2006 Photo

     


In addition to its distinction as the largest it may also be the one with the most colorful history. It was financed by a known criminal, Charles Tyson Yerkes. Astronomer George Ellery Hale convinced the convicted but wealthy embezzler to finance the telescope, regardless of cost, providing that it be the world's largest. Which, indeed, it was. And so it bears his name. 

3 comments:

  1. What an unusual 'Y', I've recently been reading an awful lot about quantum physics fascinating and very captivating.
    Nearly there...the end is in sight!
    .
    Maggie@expatbrazil

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  2. Why on earh have you been reading about quantum physics! I'm beginning to suspect that you are a very unusual person.

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    Replies
    1. It completely fascinates me and I hated physics at school, lol...take a look at http://butterfliesfree.com you can down load the book for free and he's loads of interesting videos...sinc reading that I started doing more research and it's fascinating, I think it will answer the big questions one day...or maybe not! :)
      Maggie@expatbrazil

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