Cawthron Atkinson Observatory

Atkinson Observatory
Alternative namesNelson Observatory Edit this at Wikidata
OrganizationNelson Science Society
Observatory code E81 Edit this on Wikidata
LocationClifton Terrace School, Nelson, New Zealand
Coordinates41°13′31″S 173°19′18″E / 41.2253°S 173.3216°E / -41.2253; 173.3216
Established2008 (1883)
Cawthron Atkinson Observatory is located in New Zealand
Cawthron Atkinson Observatory
Location of Atkinson Observatory
[edit on Wikidata]

Cawthron Atkinson Observatory (formerly Atkinson Observatory) is sited in the grounds of Clifton Terrace School, Nelson, New Zealand, after previously being situated at Pipers Park for many years.[1]

First operated in 1883, the observatory was founded by Arthur Atkinson, a keen amateur astronomer and Member of Parliament for Nelson. A newer observatory building opened in 1982.

The now relocated and renamed observatory formally opened on 12 April 2008, after completing a major refurbishment of the structure and 129-year-old telescope.[1] This work was funded by contributions from various individuals and groups, such as a NZ$50,000 donation by the Cawthron Trust.

The observatory is administered by the Astronomy Section of the Nelson Science Society, Royal Society of New Zealand. Star Parties are held once a month at the observatory, and society meetings are held the first Thursday of the month at Cawthron Institute, 98 Halifax Street East, Nelson.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b "Observatory home for new dome". Nelson Mail. 14 March 2008. Archived from the original on 2012-10-11. Retrieved 2009-03-20.
  2. ^ "Astronomy Society". Nelson Science Society. Retrieved 5 August 2015.