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The History of
Airdrie Public Observatory
1945 to
1982
Should you wish to contact the
society or require general information please contact ASTRA
using the following Email address: Should you encounter any problems
with this Web
Page please
email: 1945 -
1950 1950
1953 1960
1974
1977
1978
Astronomical observations and
observing projects at Airdrie by ASTRA using a Crown
standard 8mm cine camera and 35mm still camera.
Astronomical/planetary photography (Jupiter, Saturn and
Venus) undertaken using 35mm still cameras, Polaroid and
clock driven cameras from the roof of the
observatory. Solar observations of
sunspots. 1978 -
1979 1980 1981
1982
June 2nd - Airdrie Public
Observatory Open Day during the Airdrie Festival, Paul
Benson (Honorary Curator) supervised the observation of a
"solar flare" at 11.40 UT. The observation was carried
out by Neil Johnstone. The solar flare was photographed
and reported to the BAA. Apparently Airdrie Public
Observatory was the only place in the U.K. to record the
flare. In September Paul Benson resigned
as Honorary Curator and Oscar
Schwiglhofer (ASTRA
Member)was appointed as Honorary Senior Curator.
Oscar Schwiglhofer was appointed
to supervise the observatory, while Robert Law organised
astronomy lectures and restarted the weekly Friday
meetings. 1983 to 1994
Dan Livingston carried out
stellar and lunar astrophotography.
Dan Livingston was appointed
as Honorary Curator.
Oscar
Schwiglhofer conducts
astronomical research at Airdrie.
Dan Livingston resigned as
Honorary Curator. Mr Dalzell was appointed as Honorary
Curator.
Astronomical Society of
Glasgow resumes use of the observatory and Mr H Palmer is
appointed as Honorary Curator.
The observatory was wrecked
by a storm. ASTRA took over the management of the
observatory for Monklands District Council. The district
council arranged to fit a new dome with an electric motor
and ASTRA managed repairs and overhaul to the telescope.
John
Braithwaite cleaned and
reinstalled the optics, Oscar
Schwiglhofer repaired and
refitted the drive. ASTRA, on behalf of the district
council, appointed Ian
Downie and Paul Benson as
Honorary Curators. Ian
Downie supervised and
organised astronomy lectures, while Paul Benson was
responsible for the telescope and instruction on
telescope building.
On the Anniversary of
Sputnik I (October 4th) the observatory was reopened by
Prof. Vincent Reddish, Astronomer Royal for
Scotland.
International Jupiter
Voyager Telescope Observations Project (IJVTOP)
observations by Paul Benson and Ian
Downie.
Observations of Saturn
(Rings edge on)
Ian
Downie resigned as
Honorary Curator. Oscar
Schwiglhofer, ASTRA's
founder member, started to supervise the observatory's
activities.
In April Ian
Downie resigned as
Honorary Curator and was replaced by Robert
Law (ASTRA member).
1853 to 1945
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1853 to 1945 | 1945 to 1982 | 1983 to 1994 | 1994 to 1998
