Herschel's 12 metre telescope. Illustration of the 12 metre reflecting telescope built by astronomer William Herschel in 1787-9. Unlike other reflecti

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Herschel's 12 metre telescope. Illustration of the 12 metre reflecting telescope built by astronomer William Herschel in 1787-9. Unlike other reflecting telescopes, the eyepiece was situated at the open end of the tube. This removed the need for a secondary mirror, reducing loss of light, but meant that astronomers had to climb some distance to make an observation. One visitor, the Italian astronomer Piazzi, fell from the structure and broke his arm. The telescope cost 4000 pounds to build and 200 pounds a year for upkeep, all of which was provided by King George III. It was dismantled in 1839. Engraving published in 1815.

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Size: 2480px × 3609px
Photo credit: © GEORGE BERNARD/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 40-ft., astronomical, astronomy, equipment, herschel, herschels, historical, history, instrument, telescope, telescopes