Leander McCormick Observatory
The University of Virginia operates the McCormick Observatory,
located on the campus of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. The observatory was constructed after a gift
from
Leander J. McCormick to build one of the largest telescopes in
the world. The 26-inch
astrometric
refractor was the second largest telescope in the world when it was dedicated on April 13, 1885 (
Thomas Jefferson's Birthday). The telescope was the primary research instrument for
the department until the 1960's and was used for astrometry into
the 1990's. In recent years, however, extensive hardware upgrades
and instrumentation efforts have transformed the observatory into
a more modern facility capable of optical CCD imaging and
spectroscopy in conjuction with courses, and
public outreach
programs. Currently, most of the department's local research has
moved to the
Fan Mountain Observatory,
south of Charlottesville.
More detailed information about the telescope and available
instrumentation can be found by following the links below.
The telescope is an astrometric refractor, originally given
to the University as a gift by Leander J. McCormick and
dedicated in 1885. The telescope was the primary research
instrument and used for astrometry into the 1990's. In recent
years, however, extensive hardware upgrades and
instrumentation efforts have transformed the observatory into
a more modern facility (while still preserving the historical
integrity of the observatory) capable of optical CCD imaging
and spectroscopy in conjuction with courses, and
public
outreach programs.
The University of Virginia operates a modern 10-inch (0.25-meter) Meade LX200 Schmidt-Cassegrain. The telescope is housed in the doghouse and is used for educational purposes in support of both astronomy classes and
public outreach activities.
The University of Virginia operates a historical brass 6-inch (0.15-meter) Alvin Clark refractor. The telescope is housed in the doghouse and is used for educational purposes in support of both astronomy classes and
public outreach activities.
