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History of the Hirsch Observatory

The Rensselaer Astrophysical Society was formed in 1938. The Board of Trustees approved the Society's proposal to erect an observatory on the campus in 1940. The observatory was designed by Dr. Ralph Winslow, head of the school of architecture, and was completed on campus in 1942. It was built on a small ridge just south of Russell Sage Dining Hall where the Low Center now stands. The 12" reflector was built on campus was sheltered under a 16' dome. The observatory was even featured in the October of 1942 issue of Sky and Telescope Magazine. (see scans above)

Dedication Ceremony. Left to right: Westbrook (Astrophysics Society), G H Carragan, O Rasmussen, President W O Hotchkins, B J Bok (Harvard College Observatory), Winslow (RPI Professor)

Article from The Rensselaer Polytechnic, October 1940

12-inch Telescope Hirsh Observatory, 1942 The 12" equatorial reflector is shown in use prior to the observatory (left) as well at the 1942 dedication. Today, the instrument sits on display in the lobby of the observatory as a testament to the fine craftsmanship of Otto Rasmussen (the department's instrument maker, who oversaw the construction effort) as well as the RAS members who assisted. Mr. and Mrs. Rasmussen also donated an astronomical clock, whereabouts unknown.

The Observatory, circa 1942.

In 1980 the General Electric company donated the Boller and Chivens 16" Cassegrain telescope currently in use (bottom left).

Orginal Observatory Layout The observatory was expanded and re-dedicated to celebrate the event. Between 1983 and 1984 the observatory was moved (reduced in size) to the roof of the Science Center to make room for the Low Center for Industrial Innovation. The observatory was renamed the Hirsch Observatory, in honor of David Hirsch, Class of 1965 and Rensselaer Trustee, who donated money for the renovation.

16-inch Telescope In 2006 there was a $70,000 refurbishment, in which the control system and electronics were re-vamped and the telescope optics collimated. The dome and telescope were automated with the same type of control systems found in all the world's major research observatories. The institute considered replacing the telescope with a new one, but decided not to, since the older scope is very robust and is much heavier and stable than many newer scopes.

Today the Hirsch Observatory is used by members of the Astrophysical Society as well as Observational Astronomy students in their laboratory exercises. The RAS and members of the Physics Department also offer frequent public viewing sessions at the observatory that are well attended by the RPI and the Troy communities.