Heliostat
Heliostat
Previous
Next
Usage conditions apply
- 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
Nominate this object for photography.
Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.
If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.
