1.5
meter Boyden-UFS reflector (60 inch Rockefeller)
History
The 60 inch Boyden-UFS (Cassegrain-type) reflector is the largest telescope
at Boyden and also the third largest in South Africa. It had a turbulent,
though interesting history and was an important instrument for international astronomers
visiting Boyden and South Africa from the early 1930's. Further reading: Comprehensive history on the ASSA History pages.
Research
and current operations
It played an important role in scientific research for many decades, as
it was the largest telescope in those early days in the southern hemisphere.
From the mid 1980's into the 1990's, research slowly started coming to
a temporary halt and the telescope was mostly used for special public
and amateur events. International collaboration and funds ensured that the
60 inch was fully restored to a world-class research instrument in the
early 2000's and today it takes part in global research efforts. Projects
include the search for exoplanets (planets orbiting other stars), gamma
ray bursts, the search for near-earth objects and various other tasks.
Photos
of the dome and the 60 inch telescope inside...
Contact
details
Contact
Braam van Zyl at +27 051- 436 7555 (h) if you would like to become a
member of the
Friends of Boyden, or email jalvzyl@mweb.co.za.
