Astronomical Observatory of Lisbon
The Observatory of Lisbon ( Observatório Astronómico de Lisboa ) is a facility that was due to their work recognized by the 19th to the 20th century in the field of positional astronomy internationally. In 1992, the institution of the University of Lisbon has been connected and integrated in 1995 in the Faculty of Science.
History
The observatory was founded by a decree on May 6, 1878. It is in the wake of a controversy between the French astronomer Hervé Faye (1814-1902) and Wilhelm Struve (1793-1864), the director of the observatory of Pulkovo in St. Petersburg, built up over the parallax of the Argelander asteroids. Lisbon was the only place on the entire European continent, where it was possible to observe the Argelander asteroids using a Zenitrefraktors. The construction was supported by Pedro V. and other personalities.
The construction plans were inspired by the construction of the observatory in Pulkovo in Russia and were designed by the French architect Jean Colson. He was one of the most important living in Lisbon foreign architects. Wilhelm Struve, director of Pulkovo and famous astronomer, offered his services to the Portuguese Government and was the most important and influential adviser. He led the astronomers Frederico Augusto Oom and advised him over a period of about 5 years. Oom, a former lieutenant in the Marine and Hydrographic engineer, the first director of the observatory was.
On March 11, 1861 the foundation stone was laid. King D. Luis I wore through payments from his personal cash to the success of the project. 1867 began the astronomical observations at the observatory.
The observatory participated in several international campaigns, especially in the international campaign to determine the AU ( Astronomical Unit ) from 1900 to 1901 by the opposition of the asteroid Eros newly found. The director of the observatory, Campos Rodrigues and other astronomers of the house were involved in the creation of a catalog of reference stars.
1964 Campo Rodrigues received the Valz Prize of the French Academy of Sciences for the excellent work that had been done in Lisbon under his leadership.
Building
The observatory consists of a central building in the " Ajuda " and overlooking the " Tejo". Two small domes with external instruments are located in the south. In addition to the central dome, there are three rooms with astronomical observations. The central building of the Observatory of Lisbon is composed of a circular room whose richly elaborated vault the weight of the large Äquatorialrefraktors based on eight large columns. In arches between the pillars of the many clocks are arranged, which measured the time during this century of existence.
At the foot of the large windows overlooking the " Tapada " the big table where astronomers have developed their research. In addition, there are spacious meeting rooms, for teaching purposes at this time, for calculations and so on. Today, these rooms are used for educational purposes.
In the roofs of the rooms are pulling fireplaces. This continuous ventilation has the goal of bringing the air temperature in the rooms with the outdoor temperature into balance, which is important for the accuracy of the observations of advantage. The cladding is made of wood, in order to ensure an excellent thermal behavior. Once they are opened, the doors give a view of the sky, the entire meridian of Lisbon follows, from north to south.
Museum and instruments
The historical and patrimonial preservation is secured by guided tours of the Museum of AOL.
In the museum area several astronomical instruments are shown and explained. All tools are still fully functional.
For the large Äquatorialrefraktor there is a new platform that features a modern micrometer - is equipped for the study of double stars - Built in 1990 in Nice. However, it is not connected to the telescope.