AN ARMAGH-DUNSINK-HARVARD TELESCOPE

Abstract

PLANS for the setting up of a Baker-Schmidt telescope on the site of the Boyden Station of the Harvard Observatory, Bloemfontein, South Africa, are now complete. It will be the first instrument of its kind in the world, and will also be a noteworthy example of inter-country international co-operation. The instrument will be operated jointly by the Armagh Observatory, Northern Ireland ; the Dun-sink Observatory, Dublin, Eire ; and the Harvard Observatory, Cambridge, U.S.A. It will be known as the Armagh-Dunsink-Harvard Telescope. The Governments of Northern Ireland and of Eire have each promised to contribute £5,000 towards the cost of the new instrument, and Harvard Observatory will provide the rest of the funds. Harvard will also provide appropriate caretaking and maintenance service, the necessary power and light for the proper operation of the instrument, and access to library and dark-rooms for all observers. The observing time with the instrument will, however, be shared equally by all three Observatories.