Queen’s Observatory, 1881

In recognition of today’s lunar eclipse we bring you a photograph of the old Queen’s Observatory. First known as the Kingston Observatory, it was established in 1855 after a solar eclipse aroused public interest in astronomy. Its erection was a cooperative effort between the City and University and it was the first optical astronomical observatory in the province. Control of the observatory transferred to Queen’s University in 1861, and in 1881 it was moved out of City Park, where it had been located, onto Queen’s campus. The photograph above was taken at that new location. There is still an observatory on campus that offers public tours. For more information check out the observatory’s website.