Home > Arts > Modern art pieces
Herschels Great Telescope, 18th century
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Herschels Great Telescope, 18th century
Herschels Great Telescope, artwork. Also known as Herschels 40-foot telescope, it was designed by William Herschel (1738-1822), one of the foremost astronomers of his time. The first observations with this telescope were carried out on 28 August 1789. The movement of the telescope (needed to track an object across the night sky) was carried out by an assistant in the hut (lower right). The assistant would use the system of wheels, ropes, pulleys, levers, and scaffolding to move the wooden telescope. Modern telescopes use computers to make these complex adjustments. Herschel (centre left) would make his observations by standing at the front of the telescope and looking down the tube at the mirror, which was made of polished metal, instead of glass. Artwork from Pioneers of Science (Oliver Lodge, 1893)
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6452365
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1700s 18th Century Astronomer Device Herschel Instrument Levers Observing Oliver Lodge Pioneers Of Science Pulleys Ropes Scaffolding Support Telescope Wheels William Herschel Wood Wooden 1789 Great Telescope
EDITORS COMMENTS
This artwork captures Herschel's Great Telescope, a remarkable feat of 18th-century technology. Designed by the renowned astronomer William Herschel, this magnificent instrument was also known as the 40-foot telescope due to its impressive size. The first observations with this groundbreaking telescope took place on August 28,1789. Intriguingly, the movement of the telescope across the night sky required assistance from a dedicated assistant stationed in a small hut at the lower right corner of the image. Using an intricate system of wheels, ropes, pulleys, levers, and scaffolding, this assistant skillfully maneuvered the wooden telescope to track celestial objects. Unlike modern telescopes that rely on computerized adjustments for precision tracking, Herschel's Great Telescope relied solely on human ingenuity and mechanical craftsmanship. In this artwork from Oliver Lodge's Pioneers of Science (1893), we see Herschel himself standing at the front of the telescope while peering down its tube towards a polished metal mirror instead of glass. This historical masterpiece not only showcases an extraordinary astronomical device but also highlights how technological advancements have shaped our understanding of space over time. It serves as a testament to William Herschel's pioneering spirit and his significant contributions to astronomy during an era when scientific exploration was still in its infancy.
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
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.
