McMath–Hulbert Observatory

McMath–Hulbert Observatory in Lake Angelus, Michigan began as a private solar observatory and went on to produce some of the earliest motion pictures ever made of the Sun.

About McMath–Hulbert Observatory

The observatory was established in 1929 by father and son Francis Charles McMath and Robert Raynolds McMath, together with their friend Judge Henry Hulbert, with operations beginning on July 1, 1930. It is best known for pioneering solar cinematography, capturing the first movies ever made of solar prominences in motion using a purpose-built spectroheliokinematograph.

History

A 10.5-inch reflector telescope was added in 1932, the same year the observatory was deeded to the University of Michigan, which operated it until 1981. It then returned to private ownership and today is run by the McMath-Hulbert Astronomical Society, a non-profit group of amateur astronomers. Robert McMath's work at Lake Angelus later led him to establish the McMath–Pierce solar telescope at Kitt Peak Observatory in Arizona in 1962.

Telescopes & research

Beyond its film work, the observatory carried out solar spectroscopy in the near infrared and took part in a solar flare patrol program during the 1950s, contributing steadily to the study of the Sun's behaviour.

Location & getting there

The observatory is located in Lake Angelus, Michigan, a small lakeside community not far from Pontiac and the Detroit metropolitan area.

Visiting McMath–Hulbert Observatory

The site is maintained by the McMath-Hulbert Astronomical Society. Check their official website for current opening hours, events, and visiting arrangements before making the trip.

See your named star from here

Although McMath–Hulbert's legacy is solar astronomy, the same instruments capable of tracking the Sun can be aimed at any coordinates in the sky. A named star's right ascension and declination, found in the star catalogue, could be located from a site like this after dark.