Creighton University Observatory Demolition

Creighton University Observatory was located on the Creighton University campus in

Omaha Omaha ( ) is the largest city in the U.S. state of Nebraska and the county seat of Douglas County. Omaha is in the Midwestern United States on the Missouri River, about north of the mouth of the Platte River. The nation's 39th-largest city ...

, Nebraska, United States. It was the first observatory in Omaha, and the second in Nebraska. It was used primarily for the instruction of students, though the directors did do some research in the observatory. The observatory was demolished in late April 2022 to allow for the construction of a new Jesuit residence hall.

Quick facts

* Construction began: October 6, 1885 * Benefactor:

John A. Creighton John Andrew Creighton (October 15, 1831 – February 7, 1907) was a pioneer businessman and philanthropist in Omaha, Nebraska who founded Creighton University. The younger brother of Edward Creighton, John was responsible for a variety of instituti ...

* Telescope mounted: May 6, 1886 * First telescope: 1884 J. H. Steward & Co. of London, 5" aperture, 84"

focal length The focal length of an optical system is a measure of how strongly the system converges or diverges light; it is the inverse of the system's optical power. A positive focal length indicates that a system converges light, while a negative foca ...

* First light: August 22, 1886 * Directors: ** Father Joseph F. Rigge, S.J. (1883–1894) ** Father Charles J. Borgmeyer (1894–1895) ** Father William F. Rigge, S.J. (1895–1927) ** Father William Doyle, S.J. (1927–1930) *Demolished: April 25, 2022

History

As part of his endowment to found Creighton University,

donated the money for a telescope made by J.H. Steward & Co. of London.

Telescope statistics

* Aperture – 5 inches * Focal length – 84 inches * Mount – equatorial, on a brass column on an oak tripod with three large casters * Mounting gear – driving clock, graduated circles, clamps and fine adjustment screws on both axes * Eyepieces – 7 total (1 terrestrial, 1 diagonal, 5 astronomical) * Initial storage – in the chemistry laboratory, rolled out as needed * Cost – £125 (approximately US$625) * Usage intent – popular and educational use

Observatory built

Father

Joseph F. Rigge Joseph F. Rigge, Society of Jesus, S.J. (July 5, 1842 - April 17, 1913) was the first president of Marquette College (now Marquette University) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Early life Joseph Frigge was born in Paderborn, Province of Westphalia, Westph ...

, S.J. arrived at Creighton in August 1885. Assuming responsibility for the telescope, he noted that the constant movement of rolling the telescope in and out of its storage space did not allow for accurate usage and was even damaging the telescope. He suggested a small shed with a removable roof. Father Dowling, the university president, was able to secure $1200 from Mr. Creighton for building a proper

observatory An observatory is a location used for observing terrestrial, marine, or celestial events. Astronomy, climatology/meteorology, geophysical, oceanography and volcanology are examples of disciplines for which observatories have been constructed. His ...

Observatory statistics

* Ground broken – October 6, 1885 * Building completion – December 17, 1885 * Telescope mounted – May 6, 1886 * Pier composition – stone * Central pier depth – 6 feet * Central pier height from floor – 6 feet * Circumference of dome room – 15 feet

Observatory demolition

As a result of the construction of a new Jesuit residence alongside 24th Street, the observatory was demolished. Portions of the observatory are being repurposed for a memorial.

Resources

* Memoirs of Father William Rigge, S.J.

References

External links

Creighton University
{{Portal bar, Astronomy, Stars, Spaceflight, Outer space, Solar System, Education, Science Creighton University Landmarks in Omaha, Nebraska Astronomical observatories in Nebraska Buildings and structures in Omaha, Nebraska Defunct astronomical observatories