Sydney Observatory
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Sydney Observatory
Sydney Observatory, Observatory Hill, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. This hilltop area, overlooking the bay below, was originally the site of a windmill in 1796, then a fort in 1803. By 1858 a full working observatory had been erected here. The main tower included a time ball, used to signal time to the city and shipping authorities in the harbour by being dropped at 1pm every day. The dome (left) houses an equatorial telescope. Between that and the tower are the long, narrow windows and observing slots of a transit house. Other buildings and signalling poles are at right. The site is now a museum of astronomy
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9220561
© ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1900s Astrophysical Astrophysics Australia Australian British Empire Building Digging Labourer Labourers Meteorological Meteorology New South Wales Observatory Sydney Telescope Dome Weather Worker Workers Working Observatory Hill Time Ball
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print from Science Photo Library takes us back to the 19th century in Sydney, Australia. The image showcases the iconic Sydney Observatory, perched majestically on Observatory Hill. Once a humble windmill in 1796 and later transformed into a fort in 1803, this historic site became home to a fully functioning observatory by 1858. The main tower of the observatory stands tall, featuring a remarkable time ball that played an essential role in signaling time to both the city dwellers and shipping authorities in the harbor. Every day at precisely 1pm, this ball would drop, ensuring accurate timekeeping for all. On the left side of the tower lies an impressive dome housing an equatorial telescope. Adjacent to it are long and narrow windows along with observing slots found within a transit house. To complete this scene frozen in time, other buildings and signaling poles can be seen on the right-hand side. Today, this historical gem has been transformed into a museum dedicated to astronomy. Visitors can explore its rich past while delving into celestial wonders through various exhibits and displays. Step back into history with this mesmerizing print capturing not only architectural beauty but also scientific progress during Australia's British colonial era.
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