The spectrograph attached to the telescope
A picture of the spectrograph that J.S. Plaskett designed attached to the telescope. Plaskett paid attention to the details of the design to make it as efficient as possible. Visible in the background are the two clocks used by observers. One kept normal time, the other sidereal time. The clock drive for the telescope is visible at the right
A picture of the spectrograph that J.S. Plaskett designed attached to the telescope. Plaskett paid attention to the details of the design to make it as efficient as possible. The spectrograph could be configured to give higher resolution spectra. These parts are on the observing floor. Visible in the background are the two clocks used by observers. One kept normal time, the other sidereal time. The clock drive for the telescope is visible at the right
Closeup view of plateholder for taken images at the Newtonian focus
A picture of the plateholder for taking photographic images at the Newtonian focus. While the Plaskett telescope primarily took spectra, it could be configured to take images.
Top end of telescope in the Newtonian focus configuration
A picture of the top-end of the telescope in the Newtonian configuration. In this mode the light returning from the primary mirroe was reflected to the side of the telescope tube where a camera was located that took photographs. The secondary mirror and camera are both mounted.
Temperature recording instuments mounted inside dome
A picture of the temperature recording devices mounted inside the dome. It was important to track the temperature changes from day to night to understand how the telescope would perform.
Electrical power panel for dome and telescope
A picture of the main electrical panel for the telescope and dome. The B.C. Electric railway rank by the bottom of Observatory Hill, and the 220 V DC from the railway was brought up the hill to power the observatory.
A picture of the completed telescope pointed south. The spectrograph is attached to the telescope. The mirror handling cart is visible as well.
A picture of the completed telescope pointed east. The spectrograph is attached to the telescope. The mirror handling cart is visible as are the two clocks, one for standard time and one for sidereal time.
Telescope, with lower insulated covering, pointed east
A picture of the telescope with an insulated blanket wrapped around the lower end of the telescope tube. The blanket was used to keep the mirror at a stable temperature. The glass uesed for the mirror was sensitive to temperature variations and the mirror would change shape as the temperature varied
Telescope pointed south-east, with J.S.Plaskett at control panel
Observatory Hill, Plaskett telescope, J.S. Plaskett
A picture of the completed telescope pointing o the south-east. J.S. Plaskett is standing on the observing floor near a control panel. The mirror handling cart is visible in the background. Visible in the background are the two clocks used by observers. One kept normal time, the other sidereal time.
Dome outer covering finished except for opening used to install telescope
A picture of the dome finished except for the part that was left unfinished so that the telescope could be installed in the dome. Once the telescope was installed, the remainder of the steel structure and outer, and inner, panels were installed.
Completed dome with workers on scaffolding
A picture of the completed dome with two workers on scaffolding. Note what appears o be heavy rope around the shutters which are closed.
A picture of the completed dome with two workers on scaffolding. Note what appears o be heavy rope around the shutters which are open.
A picture of the completed dome with 5 workers on the ground
A picture of the completed dome with the shutters open. The man standing in front of the entrance is Thomas Tenant Hutchison. Hutchison would join the staff of the observatory when it began operation. He maintained the telescope and dome as well as assisting night-time observers. There is also a dog on the ground besides Hutchison.
The completed dome with the shutters closed, four years after the public announcement of the project. The stairs leading to the dome are completed.
The completed dome with the shutters open, four years after the public announcement of the project. The stairs leading to the dome are completed.
The orginal office building shortly after completion
A picture of the front of the office building completed in September 1924. Between 1918 and 1924, the staff had to work on the ground floor of the telescope
A picture of the west side of the office building completed in September 1924. Between 1918 and 1924, the staff had to work on the ground floor of the telescope
A picture of the east side of the office building completed in September 1924. Between 1918 and 1924, the staff had to work on the ground floor of the telescope
A picture of the library in the original office building. One of the two large oak tables in this picture is still in use.
Group photograph taken on the occasion of the official opening
A picture taken on the occasion of the official opening of the observatory in June, 1918. Standing, left to right are William Wallace Campbell, Director of the Lick Observatory, Campbell's wife, Elizabeth, John Stanley Plaskett, Plaskett's wife, Reba, and Ambrose Swasey. Seated is John Alfred Brashear.
A picture taken on the occasion of the official opening of the observatory in June, 1918. Left to right are William Wallace Campbell, Director of the Lick Observatory, Campbell's wife, Elizabeth, John Alfred Brashear, Reba, Plaskett's wife, John Stanley Plaskett, and Ambrose Swasey.
A picture taken on the occasion of the official opening of the observatory in June, 1918. Left to right are Ambrose Swasey, William Wallace Campbell, Director of the Lick Observatory, John Stanley Plaskett, and Ambrose Swasey.
Original office building with landscaping
A picture of the original office building after the landscaping is complete
A picture of the dome during WW II. The dome was camouflaged as there was concern its bright visibility could be used as a navigation waypoint
Group of people gathered in dome for 75th annivesary speeches. Dennis Crabtree at forefront.
Jim Hesser giving a speech at anniversary event. Shot taken behind attendees, angled from left side.
Jim Hesser giving a speech. Shot taken from behind attendees. Don Morton, Alan Batten and Gerhard Herzberg seated alongside of stage.
Close-up of Jim Hesser giving a speech. Camerman is also included, but out of focus.
Don Morton, Gerhard Herzberg, and Jim Hesser standing outside of dome, near the guard rails.
Gerhard Herzberg and K. O. Wright speaking to an attendee of programme.
Jim Hesser and Gerhard Herzberg with unknown attendee.
Jim Hesser pointing towards Gerhard Herzberg and Don Morton during an interview.
Shot of various programme attendees by the dome stairs. Telescope in background.
Programme attendees talking in groups and viewing the telescope.
Birdseye view of programme attendees gathered near the telescope and stairs of the dome. Shot likely taken from ladder that belongs to the Observatory and is still on site.
Birdseye view of Jim Hesser giving a speech with attendeeds watching. Shot taken from a high point between the telescope and concrete archway.
Birdseye view of various attendees socializing. Shot taken from between telescope and concrete archway.
Alan Batten, K. O. Wright, Gerhard Herzberg and Don Morton
View of Plaskett Telescope and attendees standing near it.
Group of people gathered in dome for 75th annivesary speeches
Aerial shot of Jim Hesser giving a speech at anniversary event.
Don Morton, Gerhard Herzberg, and Jim Hesser being interviewed on camera outside of dome
Jim Hesser speaking to individuals inside the office building. K. O. Wright standing on the left side.
Four unidentified men speaking in the lab.