Theodor Jacobsen Observatory - University of Washington - Seattle, Washington
Posted by: 
Hikenutty
N 47° 39.626 W 122° 18.564
10T E 551852 N 5278790
This observatory was built from left over materials from Denny Hall and was the second building built on the University of Washington's campus. The stone observatory was constructed in 1895.
Waymark Code: WM164T
Location: Washington, United States
Date Posted: 01/27/2007
Views: 70
In 1891 the Regents of the University appropriated $3000 to build an astronomical observatory. These funds had been allocated by the legislature when Washington became a state in 1889, and had to be spent quickly in order that they not revert to the State. So after such splurges as a grand piano, the Regents allocated money for an observatory.
Given the small budget, Prof. Taylor settled on a 6-inch diameter objective lens made by John Brashear of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, with the mechanical components of the telescope provided by the Warner and Swasey Co. of Cleveland, Ohio.
When the University moved to its present campus in 1895, there were some building materials left over from the construction of Denny Hall (the first structure on the new campus). Taylor had these materials used to construct a new stone structure; this new observatory, which survives today, thus became the second building erected on the present campus. It is listed on the State Register of Historical Buildings.
The dome and telescope were removed from the old wooden observatory on the original downtown campus, and moved by wagon to the new stone observatory near Denny Hall, where they remain today. A German transit telescope, bought in the early 20th century, was later added for instruction in precise measurements of star position and determination of longitude and latitude.
The observatory is open to the public every first and third Wednesday. Hours are as follows:
- March: 7 - 9 pm
- April through September: 9 - 11 pm
- October, November: 7 - 9 pm
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CLOSED: December through February
Visit Instructions:Note the time of day of your visit, and your own photo of your favorite part of the observatory. This might be the view from the observatory, picture of your favorite building or favorite exhibit. (Be mindful of flash photography rules!)
If you participated in an observing session, let everyone know what you saw!