History Creighton University Observatory

1 history

1.1 telescope statistics
1.2 observatory built
1.3 observatory statistics

history

as part of endowment found creighton university, john a. creighton donated money telescope made j.h. steward & co. of london.

telescope statistics

aperture – 5 inches
focal length – 84 inches
mount – equatorial, on brass column on oak tripod 3 large casters
mounting gear – driving clock, graduated circles, clamps , fine adjustment screws on both axes
eyepieces – 7 total (1 terrestrial, 1 diagonal, 5 astronomical)
initial storage – in chemistry laboratory, rolled out needed
cost – £125 (approximately $625 usd)
usage intent – popular , educational use

observatory built

father joseph f. rigge, s.j. arrived @ creighton in august 1885. assuming responsibility telescope, noted constant movement of rolling telescope in , out of storage space did not allow accurate usage , damaging telescope. suggested small shed removable roof. father dowling, university president, able secure $1200 mr. creighton building proper observatory.

observatory statistics

ground broken – october 6, 1885
building completion – december 17, 1885
telescope mounted – may 6, 1886
pier composition – stone
central pier depth – 6 feet
central pier height floor – 6 feet
circumference of dome room – 15 feet