Heliostat

Heliostat

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Description
A heliostat throws sunlight where it might be used for photography or scientific observations. This example is based on the form devised by Leon Foucault in 1862. It has a rectangular mirror measuring 10 x 5 inches (25 x 12.5 cm), a latitude arc, a declination arc, a clock drive, and a heavy tripod with leveling screws. The “WM. GAERTNER & CO. / MAKERS / CHICAGO” signature refers to a firm that was established in 1896, that worked closely with physicists and other scientists at the University of Chicago, and that became The Gaertner Scientific Corp. in 1923. The “R. L. 1565” mark on one leg screw refers to the Ryerson Laboratory at the University of Chicago.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
heliostat
date made
early 20th century
maker
Gaertner Scientific Corporation
place made
United States: Illinois, Chicago
Measurements
overall: 18 in x 9 in x 15 in; 45.72 cm x 22.86 cm x 38.1 cm
overall: 13 in x 8 1/2 in x 19 1/8 in; 33.02 cm x 21.59 cm x 48.5775 cm
ID Number
PH.336607
accession number
1978.0798
catalog number
336607
Credit Line
University of Chicago
subject
Science & Scientific Instruments
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Physical Sciences
Science & Mathematics
Optics
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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