Cawthron Atkinson Observatory

Cawthron Atkinson Observatory, formerly known as Atkinson Observatory, is sited in the grounds of Clifton Terrace School in Nelson, New Zealand.

About Cawthron Atkinson Observatory

The observatory is administered by the Nelson Astronomical Society Inc. (previously the Astronomy Section of the Nelson Science Society), part of the Royal Society of New Zealand. It is equipped with a 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope for public and member observing sessions.

History

The observatory was founded in 1883 by Arthur Atkinson, a keen amateur astronomer and Member of Parliament for Nelson, and first operated the same year. It originally stood at Pipers Park before later moving. A newer observatory building opened in 1982, and in 2008 the site was relocated and formally reopened on 12 April, following a major refurbishment of the structure and its then 129-year-old telescope, funded in part by a NZ$50,000 donation from the Cawthron Trust along with community contributions.

Telescopes & research

The observatory's main instrument today is a 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. Star Parties are held once a month for the public, and the Nelson Astronomical Society holds its regular meetings on the first Thursday of the month at the Cawthron Institute on Halifax Street East, Nelson.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits in the grounds of Clifton Terrace School in Nelson, New Zealand. Use the map above for exact coordinates and directions.

Visiting Cawthron Atkinson Observatory

Public open evenings are held roughly April through October, with monthly Star Parties open to visitors. Check the Nelson Astronomical Society's website for the current schedule before you go.

See your named star from here

Over a century after Arthur Atkinson first pointed a telescope skyward here, the same idea still works for a modern named star. Name a star to get its exact coordinates, then browse the catalogue to see how it can be found from Nelson's night sky.