Wellington Astronomical Society

 

Thomas King Observatory
Ataira Te Ao Nui.

View north from the observatory - Tararua Mountains

Images of the TKO here

Tuesday's...

Important Note! Telescope viewing and barby is Weather Permitting only.. if wet or cloudy we will have movies or discussion inside..

There will be no TKO meeting on Tuesday the 26th December, Meetings will resume in 2007, possibly the 9th January, please check back.

Where: Carter Observatory
When: Tuesdays 7pm (ish) on
Who: Carter and WAS members and guests, visitors welcome. Gold coin koha appreciated.

Bring food to cook on the barby if you want!!!

All information contact WAS Secretary -
Paul Moss 021 440 443 or 233 9889
Email pmoss@astronomy.wellington.net.nz

'''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.

Edited: 21-October-2006