Touring Antique Telescopes and Other Astronomical Sites around the World

The Antique Telescope Society was organized in 1992 to study the history of astronomical as well as other kinds of optics and their impact on the study of astronomy. In addition, many of the members collect, and in many cases, restore and use these fine old instruments for personal use. Each year, the Society tours a different site, typically an observatory, of importance to the history of astronomy. In this talk, I will give a brief pictorial tour of many of the places we have been to in the US and in Europe dating back to the time of the invention of the telescope in 1608. The Society also publishes a scholarly journal, The Journal of the Antique Telescope Society, to publish articles on the history of astronomical optics. More information on the Society and great resources on the history of astronomical optics along with many photographs of old telescopes can be found on its web site at: <http://webari.com/oldscope/>.  A Yahoo discussion Group is also available at: <http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ATS_Forum/conversations/messages>.

The telescope was the first instrument that could extend human sight to see things that could not otherwise be seen by unaided eyesight. It was invented in 1608 in the Netherlands by Hans Lipperhey, although there are other claimants. We will discuss the development of the telescope during its early years in the 17th Century.

Please come hear Ken Lum who used to organize the PAS public talks for many years.

Speaker: Ken Lum