Mon, 04/10/2017 - 13:43
Dear all,
In August, I will visit Lowell Observatory in our trip after total eclipde in USA.
I heard about Harold L. Johnson's telescope at Lowell Observatory.
Does anyone know whether I can see this telescope in my visit at Lowell Observatory?
Seiichiro Kiyota
Hi Seiichiro,
I think you are looking for the 21-inch telescope. It is not on the normal tour, but if you talk to Brian Skiff, I'm sure he would be happy to show you the telescope if he is at the Observatory. He has been by far the heaviest user of that telescope over the years. If you can't find his email address, I'll be happy to make the introductions.
Arne
Thank you, Arne.
I will send e-mail to Brian.
I hope that he will stay at Lowell Observatory just after total eclipse.
Seiichiro Kiyota
Last fall I attended the meeting of the Antique Telescope Society at Lowell. As part of the conference Kevin Schindler gave us the full tour of all the old observatories scattered over Mars Hill. I remember one stone clad roll-off roof building which contained a 20ish inch cassegrain of utilitarian design which seemed typical of other Lowell in-house products.
When I asked about the antique appearing instrument attached to the focus Schindler confirmed that it was a PEP which was being used by "a semi-retired astronomer for a long term project observing the atmosphere of Uranus or Neptune".
Was this Johnson's telescope? If so, could this have been Johnson's photometer?
Phil
Hello Kiyota San
Brian Skiff is a great contact. I looked and I don't have an email address for him that pops up in my files.
I saw Michael West, my old boss on Sunday at NEAF. He is Deputy Director of Science and Outreach at Lowell. I think he told me that most of Lowell Obs may be viewing the eclipse from Oregon. If you cannot get hold of Brian, give Michael a shout. He loves to show folks around and is very outreach oriented. Email me privately if you need his email address.
Gary
>most of Lowell Obs may be viewing the eclipse from Oregon.
I see.
I checked again my schedule on eclipsing tour that I joined. We stay only 1.5h at Lowell Obsevatry. I wonder whather I will have enough time or not. I'll have a think about it.
Seiichiro Kiyota