Observatoire Brydone Jack Observatory

UNB, Fredericton (NB)

"The Brydone Jack Observatory, the oldest astronomical observatory in Canada is located on the campus of the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, New Brunswick. There is an observer's room and a transit room. The creation of this observatory, in 1851, was due to William Brydone Jack (1819-1886) who was professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy at King's College in 1840 (King's College became the University of New Brunswick in 1858). Jack served as President of the university from 1861 to 1885. The observatory was established for both longitude determinations and instruction in astronomy.

Through the interest and efforts of J. E. Kennedy..., in 1955 the observatory was declared a National Historic Site and a plaque was affixed to itby the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. The observatory stands on its original site, and since 1985 has been operated as a museum. The original 6-inch, f/15, mahogany and brass refractor, by Merz of Munich, is under the octagonal dome." The Museum is opened weekdays. Tel: 506-453-4723.

I was very impressed at the genious idea of using a clock mechanism in lieu of a motor-drive, since there was no electricity then!