Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Royalty
Transit Instruments at the Cape Observatory, 1857. Creator: Hare
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
Transit Instruments at the Cape Observatory, 1857. Creator: Hare
Transit Instruments at the Cape Observatory, [South Africa], 1857. The Transit Instrument...was constructed from the designs of the Astronomer Royal, Professor Airy...The optical parts...were made by Troughton and Simms; and the engineering work by Ransomes and Sims...By a very ingenious arrangement of microscopes in the stones which carry the bearings of the instrument, eight readings are taken of each observation, and may all be taken from one point, without the observer having to actually visit the different points of the circle. The instrument weighs nearly a ton, but is so accurately balanced that it is under perfect control, and may be easily moved by one finger. A very beautiful system of parallel motion carries a trough full of mercury for taking observations by reflection. This trough being filled from the bottom of a bottle, the surface of the mercury is always clear'. From "Illustrated London News", 1857
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 36336784
© The Print Collector/Heritage Images
Cape Of Good Hope South Africa Equipment Hare Instrument Instruments Observatory Royal Observatory Sir George Biddell Airy Telescope
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Africa
> South Africa
> Related Images
> Animals
> Mammals
> Leporidae
> Cape Hare
> Arts
> Artists
> W
> George White
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Royalty
> Science
> Space Exploration
> Telescopes Optical
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, taken in 1857, showcases the Transit Instruments at the Cape Observatory in South Africa. The Transit Instrument, a remarkable piece of astronomical equipment, was designed by the Astronomer Royal, Sir George Biddell Airy, and brought to life through the collaborative efforts of Troughton and Simms, responsible for the optical parts, and Ransomes and Sims, handling the engineering work. The Transit Instrument's unique design allowed for eight readings to be taken from a single observation point, thanks to an ingenious arrangement of microscopes in the bearing stones. Weighing nearly a ton yet perfectly balanced, the instrument could be effortlessly moved with just a single finger. A beautiful system of parallel motion carried a trough filled with mercury for reflection-based observations, ensuring a clear surface for accurate readings by filling it from the bottom of a bottle. The Transit Instrument represented a significant advancement in astronomical technology during the mid-19th century, enabling more precise measurements and contributing to a deeper understanding of the celestial bodies. This photograph, taken from the pages of the Illustrated London News in 1857, offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the intricacies and beauty of this remarkable astronomical tool.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
