Jewett Observatory

Last updated
Jewett Observatory
Jewett Observatory 01-04-15.jpg
Alternative namesJames Richard Jewett Observatory OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
Organization
Location Pullman, Washington
Coordinates 46°43′43″N117°09′11″W / 46.7286°N 117.153°W / 46.7286; -117.153
Altitude790 m (2,590 ft) OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
Website astro.wsu.edu/observatory.html OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
Telescopes
  • 12-inch Alvan Clark & Sons telescope  OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
Usa edcp relief location map.png
Red pog.svg
Location of Jewett Observatory
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The James Richard Jewett Observatory is an astronomical observatory owned and operated by Washington State University. It is located in Pullman, Washington (US). It houses the largest refracting telescope in the state of Washington. The 12-inch lens was originally ground and polished between 1887 and 1889 by Alvan Clark & Sons for an amateur astronomer, who died before the telescope could be assembled. The lens was put into storage, and was purchased by the university when it came up for auction in the 1950s. Its present dome was dedicated in 1953 and it is named after the father of a supporter of the observatory, Mr. George Jewett of Spokane.

Contents

The observatory is not used for research purposes; it is primarily used for undergraduate student labs and training, and houses twelve portable telescopes for this purpose. Additionally, the telescope is open for use to any students who have been instructed in its use, as well as to the public on monthly star party nights.

In Popular Culture

The observatory figures in the 2013 American romantic comedy film, At Middleton. Andy Garcia’s character, George, refers to it as a planetarium, and is repeatedly corrected by Vera Farmiga’s character, Edith, and their respective children.

See also

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References

  1. "James Richard Jewett Observatory Homepage". Astronomy Program at WSU. Retrieved April 4, 2014.