The Boyden Observatory just outside Bloemfontein had an open night to show the public what they do there. I attended with some friends to see for myself.
Boyden Observatory was originally founded by Harvard University and placed near Lima, Peru in 1889. In 1927, it was moved to its present location just south of the small resort of Maselspoort. In addition to its role as an astronomical research station, Boyden Observatory also has a Science Education Centre, under the auspices of the
University of the Free State and with the support of its donors and the
Friends of Boyden.
We watched Saturn, the surface of the moon and Alpha Centauri through the 13" telescope shown below.
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| 13" Telescope |
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| 13" Telescope |
It was almost unreal seeing the rings of Saturn with my own eyes.
Boyden also houses the 1.5 meter Boyden-UFS reflector (60" Rockefeller). It was one of the telescopes used during the 2010 Pluto Occultation. A lecture was given about this event and I found that very interesting. It makes one proud to know that your country and University is involved in research of this magnitude.
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| 60" Rockefeller |
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| Dome housing the 60" Rockefeller |
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