This is a brass working model of a combination Newtonian/Cassegrain reflecting telescope, mounted on an English equatorial cross-axis on a wooden stand. The model has a 4.5-inch mirror set in a open ribbed cage. The equatorial mounting has a spring wound drive. According to its donor it was constructed between 1913 and 1915 as a demonstration device to raise funds for building a large telescope in Ohio, and was on display in the Capitol rotunda in 1915. The scale model came into the possession of a science professor at Chabot College in California when George V. Simon, M.D. acquired it in 1978. Simon claims that the model foreshadowed the design of the Perkins 69-inch telescope of Ohio Wesleyan University now remounted at Flagstaff with a 72-inch mirror.
Simon donated the telescope model to NASM in 1982.
Display Status
This object is on display in Space Science at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
MODELS-Miscellaneous
Manufacturer
Unknown
Dimensions
Overall: 3 ft. 4 in. × 2 ft. 11 in. × 1 ft. 3 in. (101.6 × 88.9 × 38.1cm)
Materials
Brass, wood and glass, bronze
Inventory Number
A19820361000
Credit Line
Gift of Dr. George V. Simon
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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