Hamilton Astronomical Society Observatory

The Hamilton Astronomical Society Observatory is located next to the Hamilton Zoo in Brymer Road to the west of Hamilton City, New Zealand.[1] The Hamilton Astronomical Society was founded on the 3rd of July, 1933[2] and is one of New Zealand's oldest astronomical societies.[3]

Hamilton Astronomical Society Observatory
LocationNew Zealand
Coordinates37°46′24″S 175°13′01″E
Altitude40 m (130 ft)
Telescopes
24" CassegrainClassical Cassegrain
Location of Hamilton Astronomical Society Observatory

The observatory instruments include two radio telescopes (32'/10m and 26'/8m diameter), and a range of optical instruments, including one 24" Classical cassegrain telescope, a 14" and 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, and one 12" Dobsonian telescope.[4]

The observatory is open to the public on the first and third Wednesdays of every month at 7:30pm (8:30pm during daylight saving).[5]

History

The Hamilton Astronomical Society's first dedicated meeting house was the observatory, built at the Hamilton Zoo site in 1984.[6] The observing dome for the 24" Classical Cassegrain telescope was completed in 1997, and opened by Sir Patrick Moore.

References
  1. "Hamilton Astronomical Society - About the Observatory". Hamilton Astronomical Society. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
  2. "An Observatory - Postition in Hamilton - Society's hopes unfulfilled". Waikato Times. No. 20556. 21 July 1938. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  3. "Hamilton Astronomical Society - About the Society". Hamilton Astronomical Society. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
  4. "Hamilton Astronomical Society - Equipment". Hamilton Astronomical Society. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
  5. "Hamilton Astronomical Society - Public Viewing Nights". Hamilton Astronomical Society. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
  6. Anmer, Bessie (2005). Star struck : a brief history of the Hamilton Astronomical Society, 1933-2003. ISBN 9780473107550.


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