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Where is it from?
- A Maker London, United Kingdom
- B User Williamstown, Australia
- C User South Yarra, Australia
Artificial Horizon - Troughton & Simms, London, circa 1850s
Reg. No: ST 022154
- Summary:
- Artificial horizon, made by Troughton & Simms, London. Used at both Williamstown Observatory and Melbourne Observatory, and for Geodetic Survey of Victoria.
The artificial horizon was used, especially in field observations, to establish the elevation of the sun or a star when the horizon was not visible. The vertical angle between the sun or star and its reflection in the mercury was measured; this was halved to establish the angle of elevation above the horizon. - Description:
- Rectangular metal trough covered by metal roof with two inclined panes of clear glass to prevent wind from agitating the surface of the mercury. Mercury contained in metal container with conical lid. In cedar case.
- Acquisition Information:
- Transfer from Melbourne Observatory, 1945
| Discipline: | Technology |
| Dimensions: | 13 cm (Height), 15 cm (Width), 19 cm (Length) |
More information
| Tagged with: | geodetic surveys, surveying apparatus instruments, artificial horizons, sextants |
| Themes this item is part of: | Troughton & Simms, Instrument Makers, Melbourne Observatory Collection, Engineering Collection, Science & Measurement Collection, Transport Collection, Positional Astronomy at Melbourne Observatory, Weights & Measures at Melbourne Observatory, Melbourne Observatory & Standard Time in Victoria, Melbourne Observatory & Standard Time in Victoria, Astrographic Catalogue, Transits of Venus, 1874 & 1882, Buildings at Melbourne Observatory, Star Observations & Personal Equation, Meteorology at Melbourne Observatory, 1863-1908, Williamstown Observatory, 1853-1863, Melbourne Observatory, 1863-1944, Geodetic Survey of Victoria, 1858-1872, Geodetic Survey of Victoria, 1858-1872 |
| Primary Classification: | SURVEYING & NAVIGATION |
| Secondary Classification: | Optical |
| Tertiary Classification: | artifical horizons |
| Inscriptions: | Cover inscribed "S.G.O. no 108. Troughton & Simms, London.". SGO = Surveyor General's Office. |
| Maker: | Troughton & Simms, London, Middlesex, England, Great Britain, pre 1863 |
| User: | Williamstown Observatory, Williamstown, Victoria, Australia |
| User: | Melbourne Observatory, South Yarra, Victoria, Australia |
Themes
This item is part of the following themes:
- Troughton & Simms, Instrument Makers
- Melbourne Observatory Collection
- Engineering Collection
- Science & Measurement Collection
- Transport Collection
- Positional Astronomy at Melbourne Observatory
- Weights & Measures at Melbourne Observatory
- Melbourne Observatory & Standard Time in Victoria
- Melbourne Observatory & Standard Time in Victoria
- Astrographic Catalogue
- Transits of Venus, 1874 & 1882
- Buildings at Melbourne Observatory
- Star Observations & Personal Equation
- Meteorology at Melbourne Observatory, 1863-1908
- Williamstown Observatory, 1853-1863
- Melbourne Observatory, 1863-1944
- Geodetic Survey of Victoria, 1858-1872
- Geodetic Survey of Victoria, 1858-1872
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