The Astronomy Show on Drystone Radio

 Join me, Martin Lunn MBE every Monday evening from 7.00 pm-9.00 pm on the award-winning Astronomy Show on Drystone Radio, probably the only regular astronomy show on any radio station in the country. 

I will take my weekly look at the night sky and look at all the latest news in astronomy. There will be the astronomical anniversaries this week plus the latest news from the astronomical societies in the north of England.

The Astronomy Show every Monday evening only on Drystone Radio live online at www.drystoneradio.com DAB radio in Bradford and East Lancashire, or 102 and 103.5 FM and can also be heard later on the Drystone Radio Podcast.

Cooke Telescope Tales - Maurice Farman and the Chevreuse Observatory in 1908

As far as I am aware this is the not the same Maurice Farman who was an early pioneer in the days of flight, but I am always ready to be proved wrong.

 In 1908 while observing at the Chevreuse Observatory near Paris, an observatory I have never heard of before observed 1,100 double stars while using a 9.5 inch Cooke telescope.  

His observations were apparently quite brief and usually consisted of just one line of information, many additional notes  were drawn from historical observations of the stars he observed in 1908.

                                                       www.theramblingastronomer.co.uk

Cooke Telescope Tales - transit of Mercury seen from Mauritius in 1907

The transit of Mercury was observed on November 14^th 1907 from the Royal Alfred Observatory in Mauritius using a Cooke 6 inch refractor. The transit which was seen through a partly  cloudy sky and the limb of the Sun was described as being boiling. Mercury appeared as a clear cut black disc, perfectly circular with no spot or fringe. 

There were 11 photographs taken during the transit with the 6 inch Cooke. The telescope  had ben supplied to Mauritius by the colonial government in1874 in order to observe the transit of Venus.

                                                        www.tharamblingastronomer.co.uk

Cooke Telescope Tales - The disorderly apprentice in 1859

 On Thursday November 3^rd 1859 J Chadwick esq apprentice summoned Mr Cooke, optician and mathematical instrument maker to the magistrates at the Guildhall in York for refusing to teach him his grade. 

Mr Cooke said that J Chadwick had grossly misbehaved and had absented himself on one or two occasions. Under these circumstances Mr Cooke refused to receive the lad into his service. 

The magistrate ordered the lad’s indentures to be dismissed. J Chadwick has since joined the Cape Mounted Rifles in South Africa.

                                                       www.theramblingastronomer.co.uk

A little ramble through Octans the Octant

 Octans the Octant-Southern Hemisphere

The constellation that contains the South Pole star, despite this privileged position, Octans is faint and unremarkable. There is no southern equivalent of Polaris, the North Pole star. The nearest star to the south celestial pole is Sigma Octantis with a magnitude of only 5.5 which lies about 1 degree from the pole. 

The constellation of Octans commemorates the instrument known as the Octant, a forerunner of the sextant, invented by the English astronomer John Hadley and used by him for measuring star positions.

The constellation was introduced by Nicolas Lacaille during his stay at the Cape of Good Hope and its dullness is a memorial to his dreadful lack of imagination.

There are a few northern references to a south pole star, the Hindu’s referred to it as Dramasa, while the Arab astronomers either knew or guessed that there would be a south pole without giving it a name.

The brightest star is Nu an orange K class giant star with a brightness of magnitude of 3.7 lying at a distance of 64 light years.

Sigma the South Pole Star shines with a brightness of magnitude 5.5 and lies at a distance of 281 light years. Sigma is a F class giant star with a temperature of 7,200’C.

Cooke Telescope Tales - telescope for Macclesfield in 1864

Thomas Davenport of Macclesfield purchased from Thomas Cooke in 1864 a small telescope. It had a lens of 2.5 inches and came with a terrestrial eyepiece and leather sling case. I assume this was not for astronomical work. 

Davenport later in 1868 purchased from Thomas Cooke a brass pillar and claw table stand and two astronomical eyepieces. I don’t know if this was to mount the telescope he purchased in 1864 or if it was for another instrument.

                                                       www.theramblingastronomer.co.uk

A little ramble through 19th century astronomy - meteor over Sweden in 1876

 Nature August 3^rd 1876

A fall of meteorites, we learn from Aftonblad, took place on June 28^th, between 11.00 and 12.00 am near Stalldalen, a station non the Swedish Central Railway, in the northern most part of Orebrolan. Several fell, some on the ground and others in a lake. Two were found, one about the size of the fist band weighing 4.5 lbs, the other smaller.

Eyewitnesses stated that a loud whistling was first heard in the air from west to east, and a light was plainly distinguishable; although the sky was clear and cloudless, thereafter two very sharp reports were heard, the second succeeding the first after a momentary interval, followed by several others less sharp, resembling thunder, after which the falling stones were observed by eight or ten persons; and finally, there was seen in the air a whirling smoke, not very high up.

A meteor was observed simultaneously at Stockholm and at other places. At thirteen English miles south west of Linkoping it was seen first in a north westerly direction pretty high up in the sky, and it then sank down in about ten seconds towards the horizon in the west. It had the appearance of a large pear a foot long, which, notwithstanding the bright sunshine, left behind a clear shinning streak of six to eight feet in appearance length, which finally broke up into a multitude of starlike sparks. Here no noise was heard.

According to a communication from the Stockholm Meteorological Bureau, there is reason to believe that the phenomenon arose from the “Kulblixt” which generally appears as a luminous round object, and often on approaching the ground, assumes a lengthened form and a blinding white colour, and bursts asunder, commonly with a loud report. As all who observed the meteor, both in Stockholm and in Sodernanland , saw the luminous appearance in the same direction, viz. W N W, it is probable that the light proceeded from the main mass of the meteor situated at a very great distance.

The phenomenon observed here at Stockholm must therefore have been an illusion, the object, instead of being, as most people estimated, within a few thousand feet, being actually at a great distance.

Later information shows that the phenomenon was visible over a great part of middle Sweden.

                                                       www.theramblingastronomer.co.uk

 

Cooke Telescope Tales - telescope for sale in Ormskirk in 1968

 A Cooke Troughton 5 inch telescope was being offered for sale in Ormskirk by W A Howe in 1968. There was also a 14 foot diameter dome observatory for sale. 

The fact that this was advertised as a Cooke Troughton telescopes suggest it was post a relatively modern instrument being a post 1922 instrument.

                                                       www.theramblingastronomer.co.uk

The Astronomy Show on Drystone Radio

 Join me, Martin Lunn MBE every Monday evening from 7.00 pm-9.00 pm on the award-winning Astronomy Show on Drystone Radio, probably the only regular astronomy show on any radio station in the country. 

I will take my weekly look at the night sky and look at all the latest news in astronomy. There will be the astronomical anniversaries this week plus the latest news from the astronomical societies in the north of England.

The Astronomy Show every Monday evening only on Drystone Radio live online at www.drystoneradio.com DAB radio in Bradford and East Lancashire, or 102 and 103.5 FM and can also be heard later on the Drystone Radio Podcast.

 

A little ramble through 19th century astronomy - Mira Ceti in 1779

Nature July 6^th 1876

Mira Ceti

Reference is often made in treatises on astronomy to the unusual degree of brilliancy attained by this variable star at the maximum of 1779.

From the observations of Bode, Herschel and Wargentin, we have the following particulars of the augmentation and diminution of brightness in that year.

Aug 22 – Invisible in an ordinary 2 feet telescope

Sept 8 – Seen with the same instrument but very faint

Sept 18 Immediately visible to the naked eye according to Herschel. Bode estimated it magnitude 4

Oct 5 and Oct 6 – Already much brighter than Menkar (alpha Ceti)

Oct 15- Oct 19 – Equal to alpha Arietis on the 15^th and still brighter on the 19^th; the light reddish

Oct 30 – According to Wargentin, it was equal to Aldebaran and of the same colour, or even of the redness of Mars which was observable the same night. In a 10 feet achromatic Mira shot out vivid red rays. Herschel considered it midway in brightness between alpha Arietis and Aldebaran.

Nov 2 – There was even an increase, in the judgement of Herschel

Nov 11 – Visible as early as Aldebaran and Mars

Nov 20 – As bright as, but not brighter than stars of the second magnitude, according to Herschel, but on the 25^th much brighter than Menkar, though less than Aldebaran according to Wargentin

Dec 4 – Only equal to alpha Arietis

Dec 7 and Dec 10 – So much diminished since November 25, that it was now hardly equal to Menkar, and its colour was now whiter.

Dec 25 – Before the Moon rose equal to gamma Ceti, or of the third magnitude

Dec 29 – Only a little brighter than the fourth magnitude; not equal to gamma or delta Ceti

Argelander gives for the date of maximum Nov 6 1779

                                                      www.theramblingastronomer.co.uk

 

 

 

Cooke Telescope Tales - two telescopes for sale in Newcastle in 1945

Two Cooke telescopes were being offered for sale in Newcastle in 1945 by Hartley Hopper. One was a 4 inch and the other was a 5 inch. I don’t have any information regarding the histories of these two telescopes.

                                                        www.theramblingastronomer.co.uk

Cooke Telescope Tales - Telescope for sale in Manchester in 1952

 In 1952 a telescope with a 5 inch lens made by Thomas Cooke & Sons was for sale. It was the property of Mr H L Dilks who I believe had been a previous president of the Manchester Astronomical Society between 1937 - 45. As is often the case I don’t know who might have owned the telescope before Mr Dilks. 

Although the lens and equatorial mount, iron pillar and clockwork drive were made by Cooke the tube and finder telescope had been made by Wary. 

In addition to the telescope a small portable wooden observatory was also offered for sale.

                                                       www.theramblingastronomer.co.uk

 

A little ramble through 19thy century astronomy - few sunspots in 1876

 Nature June 22^nd 1876

According to the photographs taken daily at Montmartre by M. Janssen , no spots have now been noticed on the Sun since March 25^th. At the last meeting of the Paris Academy, M. Leverrier announced that in addition to the solar work to be carried out by M. Janssen in the new physical observatory of Paris, M. Cornu has been appointed to make corresponding searches in the National Observatory. 

                                                        www.theramblingastronomer.co.uk

Cooke Telescope Tales - Charles Pritchard and his telescope

 Charles Pritchard FRAS (1808-1893)  Hurst Hill on the Isle of Wight purchased from Thomas Cooke & Sons in 1865 an equatorial mounting for his Cooke telescope. I can only assume he wanted to upgrade the mounting for the telescope he had . 

In the late 1850s Pritchard had purchased from Cooke & Sons a 6.75 inch telescope. 

Pritchard was elected Savilian professor of Astronomy at Oxford University in 1870. 

In 1882 he undertook the study of the brightness of 2,784 stars, this was an important  project at the time and for this work he was presented with the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society in 1886.

                                                       www.theramblingastronomer.co.uk

A little ramble through 19th century astronomy - Montsouris Observatory 1876

 Nature June 8^th 1876

Regular courses of lectures have been established at the Naval Observatory, Montsouris, for the officers of the French National navy attached to the establishment. The general principals of astronomical observations are lectured upon by M. Loewy; Special Naval methods, by Capt. Turquet, the Director of the establishment;  Terrestrial Magnetism, by M. Marie Davy, Director of the Montsouiris Observatory. Spectroscopy, by MK. Cornu; Photography in its application to astronomy, by M. Angot, of the National Observatory of Paris. 

All the observations made by the pupils are submitted to correction, and will be utilised as far as possible for  the improvement of the Connaissance des Temps.

www.theramblingastronomer.co.uk

Cooke telescope Tales - telescope to Worcester Sauce in 1867

 If you think of Worcester Sauce you may think of Lea & Perrins, what you might struggle to find is a link with astronomy. However in 1867 James Dyson Perrins (1823-1887) purchased a 3.25 inch educational telescope from Thomas Cooke & Sons York. 

James Dyson Perrins was the son of William Henry Perrins who joint founded the company in 1837 with John Wheeley Lea. He would help run the company after the death of his father. 

James was keen to increase the educational institutions in Worcester. He also supported the Public Library and many charitable institutions in Worcester. 

As is often the case I have no further information on what happened to the telescope.

                                                      www.theramblingastronomer.co.uk

 

 

A little ramble through 19th century astronomy - Athens Observatory 1876

 Nature June 1^st 1876

The Observatory at Athens

The death is announced of Baron Simon von Sina, son of the founder of the observatory at Athens, which has been under the direction of M Bouris and Herr Julius Schmidt.

The deceased Baron is mentioned as a liberal patron of this establishment, though not himself engaged in scientific pursuits, and Herr Schmidt writes doubtfully of the future of the observatory.

Every astronomer will entertain the hope that this most laborious  and successful observer – distinguished not only by his great work upon the Moon, but for his numerous discoveries and observations of variable stars, his long and important series of observations of comets, of short period and otherwise, in which he made excellent use of the advantages of his southern position, and many other valuable contributions to  observational astronomy – may continue to hold, under favourable auspices, the direction of an establishment which his excerptions have made so honourably known in the astronomical world.

                                                      www.theramblingastronomer.co.uk

The Astronomy show on Drystone Radio

 Join me, Martin Lunn MBE every Monday evening from 7.00 pm-9.00 pm on the award-winning Astronomy Show on Drystone Radio, probably the only regular astronomy show on any radio station in the country. 

I will take my weekly look at the night sky and look at all the latest news in astronomy. There will be the astronomical anniversaries this week plus the latest news from the astronomical societies in the north of England.

 

The Astronomy Show every Monday evening only on Drystone Radio live online at www.drystoneradio.com DAB radio in Bradford and East Lancashire, or 102 and 103.5 FM and can also be heard later on the Drystone Radio Podcast.

Cooke Telescope Tales - telescope for Cambridgeshire in 1864

Algernon Peckover FRAS (1803-1894) was a banker from Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, in 1864 he purchased a Thomas Cooke & Sons 5.5-inch telescope. 

There were 5 astronomical eyepieces, and it came with a plain equatorial mounting. The cost was £130 (today 2026 that would be over £21,400). 

In 1865 he purchased a driving clock for the equatorial

                                                       www.theramblingastronomer.co.uk

A little ramble through 19th century astronomy - Paris Observatory in 1876

 Nature May 25th 1876

Paris Observatory

There is at present being erected in the Paris Observatory Gardens a house for the Bishofsheim transit instrument, which has been constructed admirably by Eichens.

The house possesses many peculiarities and was designed by M Leverrier for the better insuring of equality of temperature.

The roof can be removed on horizontal rails, and the walls are so perforated that there is a continual circulation of air in all parts. The frame of the house may be said to be pneumatic, as it has been constructed on a system analogous to that of the bones of birds. It is sure to work admirably.

                                                     www.theramblingastronomer.co.uk

Cooke telescope Tales - telescope for Oxford in 1859

 In 1859 Edward Moore of Queens College Oxford purchased a 3 inch telescope from Thomas Cooke. 

I have no further details on either the man or the telescope

                                                        www.theramblingastronomer.co.uk