Searching for Stars

12 December 2011

Searching for Stars

As Carter Observatory gets ready to celebrate 70 years of operation, we are keen to find out who these boys are and whether they still visit the Observatory as adults. In the 1980’s these four school boys visited Carter Observatory and this photo was taken of them viewing the skies through the Thomas Cooke telescope.

Over the years the Observatory has seen much change. The Thomas Cooke telescope was once housed in a galvanised iron and flat roll-off roofed Observatory affectionately nickname the Tin Shed. It was transferred to the new Carter Observatory as one of the first pieces of equipment and has been restored over the years to be operational during late nights at the Observatory today.

The key changes these now men will see today is the use of 21st century technology at the Observatory, with multi-media exhibitions and the full-dome digital planetarium that immerses viewers into the night skies whatever the time of day.

This year Carter Observatory celebrates 70 years. It was formally opened on 20th December 1941, in a delayed opening due to the attack on Pearl Habour that started World War II.

The name reflects the original bequest and enthusiasm of Charles Rooking Carter, a prominent businessman, politician, and farmer whose £2,240 formed the foundation of a fund toward an astronomy facility in Wellington.

Charles Rooking Carter left a wonderful legacy for our country and city that continues to thrive. His contribution is perhaps best summed up in his own words, “A man does not live for himself alone; he has duties to perform to his fellow men. He does not live for the present, he must have care for the future”.

Past and present staff of the Carter Observatory will suitably mark the occasion with a private function.

Supporting Information

December 2011 signifies 70 years for Carter Observatory and over 151 years since its inception.

In the mid 1860s a prominent businessman, politician, and Wairarapa farmer, Charles Rooking Carter, visited a museum dedicated to Galileo that sparked his interest in astronomy. He returned bringing a desire for more scientific discover in New Zealand and upon his death in 1896 bequest £2,240 for the purposes of establishing an astronomical observatory in Wellington for public use and benefit.

It was not until 32 years later, following much debate and delay that the Carter Observatory Act was passed by the Government as a centennial project with the view of building an observatory in Wellington.

In 1939 the newly formed Carter Observatory Board was transferred land in the Wellington Botanic Garden and the 23 cm Cooke refractor, originally housed in a galvanised iron and flat roll-off roofed observatory affectionately nicknamed the ‘Tin Shed’ that was located in the current Carter car park. The Royal Society bequeathed the Carter fund and the Government and Wellington City Council provided annual grants. Everything was in place and they were ready to undertake the £6,250 built and fit-out.

Charles Rooking Carter Observatory was originally due to open on 7th December 1941, but the attack on Pearl Harbour delayed this event until the 20th December.

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