Creighton Observatory

Creighton University Observatory is located on the Creighton University campus. It was the first observatory in Omaha, and the second in Nebraska. Used primarily for instruction of students, the directors did do some research in the observatory. It still stands today on the campus grounds, though it is in disrepair and there is no public access.

[edit] About

Father Joseph Rigge, S.J. arrived at Creighton in August 1885. Assuming responsibility for the telescope, he noted that the constant movement of rolling the telescope in an out of its storage space did not allow for accurate usage and was even damaging the telescope. He suggested a small shed with a removable roof. Father Dowling, the university president, was able to secure $1200 from John A. Creighton for building a proper observatory.

Ground was broken for the facility on October 6, 1885, and the building was completed on December 17, 1885. The circumference of dome room was 15 feet. Construction on the observatory was funded entirely by John A. Creighton.

The telescope was mounted on a stone pier on May 6, 1886, with the pier buried to six feet deep, and standing six feet above the floor. The telescope mount was equatorial on a brass column on an oak tripod with 3 large castors. Its mounting gear included a driving clock, graduated circles, clamps and fine adjustment screws on both axes. There were 7 total eyepieces, including 1 terrestrial, 1 diagonal, and 5 astronomical. Its was initially stored in the chemistry laboratory and rolled out as needed. It cost approximately $625. The first telescope was manufactured by J. H. Stweard & Company of London. It had a 5" aperture and an 84" focal length. The first light was installed August 22, 1886.

Directors of the facility included Father Joseph Rigge, S.J., from 1883-1894; Father Charles J. Borgmeyer from 1894-1895; Father William F. Rigge, S.J., 1895-1927, and; Father William Doyle, S.J., from 1927-1930.

[edit] References

• Memoirs of Father Willim Rigge, S.J.

[edit] External links

• Creighton University

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