Chamberlin Observatory - Denver, CO
Posted by: 
Big B Bob
N 39° 40.567 W 104° 57.183
13S E 504025 N 4391810
A Denver landmark that looks into the heavens.
Waymark Code: WM5VEX
Location: Colorado, United States
Date Posted: 02/16/2009
Views: 15
Chamberlin Observatory is an astronomical observatory owned and operated by University of Denver. It is located in Denver, Colorado (USA) in Observatory Park. It is named for Humphrey B. Chamberlin, a Denver real estate magnate who pledged $50,000 in 1888 to build and equip the facility.
The observatory was designed by Robert S. Roeschlaub. It was modeled after the Goodsell Observatory at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, and constructed from rusticated red sandstone blocks. The Romanesque structure includes a central rotunda and domed roof. Construction began in 1890.
The 20-inch objective lens for the observatory's main refracting telescope was made by Alvan Clark & Sons, and the mount was built by George Nicholas Saegmuller. The mount rests on a cast iron pillar which is in turn supported by a massive stone pier. Assembly of the telescope was supervised by Professor Herbert Alonzo Howe. The telescope saw first light in 1894.
Observatory Purpose: Research
Optical / Infrared Telescopes?: Yes
Radio Telescopes?: No
Solar Telescopes?: No
Open to the Public?: Yes
Is this a Club Observatory?: Yes
Public Viewing Allowed?: Yes
Active Observatory?: Active
Number of Telescopes or Antennas: 1
Site URL: [Web Link]
Year Dedicated or Opened: 1890
Altitude (meters): 1651
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Visit Instructions:Note the time of day of your visit, and your own photo of your favorite part of the observatory. This might be the view from the observatory, picture of your favorite building or favorite exhibit. (Be mindful of flash photography rules!)
If you participated in an observing session, let everyone know what you saw!