View north from the observatory - Tararua Mountains
Images of the TKO here
Important Note! Telescope viewing is Weather Permitting only.. if wet or cloudy we will have discussion inside..
Where: Carter Observatory
When: Saturdays 7pm (ish) on
Who: Carter and WAS members and guests, visitors welcome.
Contact Ross Powell on 04 389 9765
'''Thomas King''' (1858-1916) was a New Zealand astronomer and politician.
Image: Thomas King Observatory at Carter - National Observatory of New
Zealand
==History==
He served in the [[1st New Zealand Parliament]], but chose not to stand
for re-election. At the end of the 1st Parliament, he declared himself
"tired of political life with its anxieties, cares, and responsibilities
- with my severance from my home and my family". Financial worries
may also have played a part - King was not by any means wealthy, and was
consequently a notable champion of remuneration and expenses for MPs.
Thomas King took over the charge of the [[Carter Observatory]] in 1887 from the Reverend Arthur Stock, vicar of St Peters. (former astronomer in charge of the Wellington time-ball station on Lambton House Quay).
== Legacy ==
Thomas King has an astronomical observatory facility named after him at [[Carter Observatory]] in Wellington, New Zealand.
== Use ==
Thomas King Observatory
Ataira Te Ao Nui.
The Thomas King Observatory in Wellington, near the Carter Observatory,
is now in constant use following the restoration of it and its telescope.
This paper introduces the history of the observatory.
* [http://www.faster.co.nz/~rasnz/SouthernStars/Vol42Abs.htm Volume 42,
number 4. December 2003. P 3]
== Restoration ==
Refurbishment of the Thomas King Telescope at Carter Observatory by Gordon
Hudson.
In May 2001 Gordon began the refurbishment of the 5inch Grubb Telescope
housed in the Thomas King Observatory. This telescope was made in 1882
by Grubb in Dublin and over its 120 years it is in remarkably good condition.
* [http://www.faster.co.nz/~rasnz/SouthernStars/Vol42Abs.htm Southern
Stars Volume 42, number 4. December 2003. Pp 4 - 6]
== Reference ==
*[http://www.carterobs.ac.nz/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=35&Itemid=96
Carter Observatory History] Carter Observatory - History
This is an image taken through this telescope, using eyepiece projection method, or afocal. The Konica-Minolta camera was mounted on a standard eyepiece, and adjusted for best result.
See the credits page for more of 'em.