Professor Derek Ward-Thompson, together with Preston and District Astronomical Society members John Hooper, Nigel Telford and Martin Whelan, made the first observations since the Millenium with the eight-inch Cooke refractor at the Jeremiah Horrocks Observatory on Moor Park on Saturday 14th September 2024 during the Heritage Open Weekend.
They observed the Sun by projecting it onto a card, and were rewarded with a view of a number of sunspots and sunspot groups. Roughly 75 members of the public visited during the course of the day, and many were able to share in the views of the Sun.
This comes after an extensive refurbishment programme over the last two years, led by David Marsden of the University Estates Team and local contractor Brian Woodruff. The team successfully refurbished the motors that drive the dome around on its tracks and open and close the dome slit. They also fixed various issues with the dome and replaced the electrics.
Professor Derek Ward-Thompson, Jeremiah Horrocks Director, said “This is a very special day. The Cooke refractor is an historic instrument and it deserves to be used rather than just be a museum exhibit. Now it can be used and enjoyed by members of the Institute and members of the public alike.”
He added “the members of the public who visited today were given a real treat in being able to see the telescope in operation for the first time in a quarter of a century.”
First light image of the Sun, taken through the 8-inch Cooke refractor telescope at Moor Park. At least three prominent sunspots can be seen.
The shadow of the Cooke refractor telescope can be seen around the projected image of the Sun.
Jeremiah Horrocks Director, Professor Derek Ward-Thompson, next to the screen on which the image of the Sun is being projected.
The Jeremiah Horrocks Observatory with its dome open, observing the Sun.