Open House at Goodsell Observatory at Carleton College
Friday May 1st at 9:30pm
Join us on Friday May 1st at 9:30pm at Goodsell Observatory on the campus of Carleton College in Northfield, MN. Goodsell Observatory hosts open houses the 1st Friday of every month (outside of summer). The MAS has attended a few of these open houses over the past few years, and our members have enjoyed these events. We tried to attend their event last November, but it was cancelled due to clouds. This one is scheduled to run from 9:30-11:30pm and is weather-permitting.
The observatory opened in 1886, and its main dome houses a 16.2″ Brashear refractor (circa early-1890s). The smaller dome houses an 8.25″ Alvan Clark refractor from the same era. It’s amazing to see such vintage telescopes still in use, and in such good condition.
Starting in the 1870s, Goodsell Observatory was one of the most important observatories in the country, since it kept the official time for the major railroads from Chicago to Seattle, covering some 12,000 miles of track. It also published an important astronomical publication, produced some of the best early celestial photographs and was home to one of the nation’s first state weather services. Herbert Couper Wilson was a Carleton alumnus who in 1911 help found the AAVSO (American Association of Variable Star Observers) … one of the most important American amateur astronomical groups of the 20th Century and beyond.
Goodsell Observatory address: 139 Olin Dr, Northfield, MN 55057
Google Maps link:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/kgug9G6M5MZjFQpc6
Website:
Goodsell Observatory – Carleton College
You can read about the history of Goodsell Observatory here:
The Story of Goodsell – Goodsell Observatory – Carleton College
There is the possibility of having dinner ahead of time and also carpooling if enough people are interested. Please respond on the MAS Forum (link below) or email Suresh Sreenivasan with questions: sureshks1@msn.com
