10 inch Metcalf Photographic Triplet Refractor

The Metcalf is no doubt the most historically important instrument at Boyden. The 10 inch did ground-breaking work in its primary days, especially in South America during its term at the Harvard Southern Station and during its early years at Bloemfontein.

The quality of its optics is a heritgage to the expert work performed by lens makers of the previous two centuries. The 10" Metcalf was built by Joel H. Metcalf, a noted amateur astronomer of the 19th and early 20th century. It is not currently motorized, but is still managable by one person (a fine-movement knob acts as a motor). The telescope's classic appearance demands respect from all visitors. It is more than 100 years old.

The visit of Halley's Comet in the mid-1980's was completely documented and photographed with this telescope.

The telescope contributed to numerous publications by South African as well as international astronomers, about various fields from comets to variable stars.

A 6 inch refractor of remarkable quality accompanies the Metcalf.

The telescope is currently included as a visiting point during Observatory historical tours.

More information on the History of the Metcalf (ASSA website).

Visit the Joel Metcalf memorial page.

Photos of the 10 inch telescope through the decades...