4/7/2023 0 Comments Flagstaff observatory![]() ![]() In the meantime, in 1861 a transit room was erected at Williamstown in readiness for the arrival of a new transit instrument with 5 inch aperture by Troughton & Simms. The new Melbourne Observatory would not be fully operational until June 1863. With the approval of both Ellery and Neumayer, the Board recommended that the observatories should be merged at a new site. In 1860 the government appointed a Board of Visitors to oversee Ellery's astronomical work at Williamstown and Georg Neumayer's magnetic and meteorological researches at Flagstaff Observatory. Dust from nearby quarrying, the increasing population in the area, the lowness and humidity of the site, and increased vibrations from the nearby railways -all meant a move to another site was essential. ![]() Often absent from the observatory, he relied on three volunteers for much of the observing and computing work.īy 1860 it had become clear that Williamstown was not a suitable site for the observatory. In 1858 Ellery was appointed to also superintend the Geodetic Survey of the colony. The government provided funds in 1857 for a meridian room and a computing room, both wooden with stone foundations, but Ellery still awaited larger and more accurate instruments. The observatory comprised an 8 foot by 8 foot timber structure the transit room was a canvas structure. By 1857 he was noting that the piers of the transit instrument were shifting and disturbing his observations, while the altazimuth instrument he was using for observing occultations of stars was scarcely up to the task. Having spent some time at Greenwich Observatory in London, Ellery had a clear view of the standards to be aimed at for both buildings and instruments. Ellery's observations controlled the dropping of a timeball at one o'clock each afternoon at the Flagstaff at Williamstown from October 1854 a timeball was also erected at the telegraph office in William Street, Melbourne. In February 1854 a sextant by Potter, transit instrument by Potter, and regulator clock by Frodsham arrived. Robert Ellery was appointed Superintendent of the Observatory to undertake this work, initially with two chronometers, two 'indifferent' sextants, and an artificial horizon. Providing precise local time enabled mariners to correct their ship chronometers after the long voyage from Europe accurate chronometers were essential for accurate and safe navigation across such long distances. Williamstown Observatory was established in July 1853 to undertake astronomical observations in order to provide an accurate time signal to ship captains and navigators. ![]() We encourage and welcome contact from First Peoples Communities, scholars and others to provide advice to correct and enhance information. The level of documentation for collection items can and does vary, dependent on when or how the item was collected. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the most accurate information is presented, some content may contain errors. They are not the current views of Museums Victoria, do not reflect current understanding and are not appropriate today. This material reflects the creator’s attitude or that of the period in which the item was written, recorded, collected or catalogued. LanguageĬertain records contain language or include depictions that are insensitive, disrespectful, offensive or racist. For some First Peoples communities, seeing images or hearing recordings of persons who have passed, may cause sadness or distress and, in some cases, offense. CULTURAL SENSITIVITY MESSAGE – Please readįirst Peoples of Australia should be aware that the Museums Victoria Collections website contains images, voices or names of deceased persons. ![]()
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