Pearson, John C., and Orchiston, Wayne (2008) The 40-ft solar camera of the Lick Observatory. Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage, 11 (1). pp. 25-37.

PDF (Published Version) Download (2MB)

Abstract

The primary goal of the Lick Observatory’s direct solar eclipse photography program was to secure high resolution images of inner coronal structure and images in which coronal brightness could be studied. Between 1889 and 1932 the Observatory sent out seventeen eclipse expeditions worldwide. During these expeditions, direct coronal photography was a significant part of the program for the first couple of decades. By the end of the expedition series, spectrographic observations became of primary importance, yet direct coronal imaging continued.

Lick Observatory astronomer, John M. Schaeberle, conceived and constructed a large portable camera of 5-inch aperture with a focal length of 40-feet, and from 1893 the so-called ‘Schaeberle Camera’ became a hallmark of the Observatory’s eclipse expeditions. In this paper we provide details of the Schaeberle Camera’s design, setup and operation, and we briefly discuss some of the ways in which Lick Observatory staff and other astronomers used the plates obtained during the various eclipse expeditions in their investigations of the solar corona.

Item ID:	6523
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1440-2807
Keywords:	Lick Observatory, John M. Schaeberle, Edward S. Holden, William W. Campbell, solar corona, solar eclipse expeditions, Schaeberle Camera
Additional Information:	Reproduced with permission from Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage.
Date Deposited:	18 Jan 2010 01:22
FoR Codes:	02 PHYSICAL SCIENCES > 0299 Other Physical Sciences > 029999 Physical Sciences not elsewhere classified @ 100%
SEO Codes:	97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970102 Expanding Knowledge in the Physical Sciences @ 100%
Downloads:	Total: 282 Last 12 Months: 7
	More Statistics