Leviathan of Birr, Ireland, 19th century
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Leviathan of Birr, Ireland, 19th century
Leviathan of Birr. 19th-century artwork of the 6-foot telescope erected in 1845 at Birr Castle, Parsonstown, Ireland, by the Irish astronomer William Parsons (1800-1867), 3rd Earl of Rosse. Pioneering research carried out here included observing the spiral structure of the M51 galaxy (1845). The telescope was the largest in the world during its lifetime, and was moved up and down between supporting walls and accessed by ladders. The mirror and telescope were dismantled in 1908, and the support structures demolished in 1925. The site is now a museum with a replica built in the 1990s. This scene dates from 1847
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9217883
© DETLEV VAN RAVENSWAAY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1847 Amateur Astronomy Astronomer Astronomers Astrophysics Browned Browning Castle Galaxies History Of Science Instrument Ireland Irish Ladder Observatory Outdoors Outside Scaffolding Scientist Spiral Galaxy Telescope Victorian Wall Birr Castle Gentleman Lord Rosse Parsonstown Whirlpool Galaxy
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the awe-inspiring Leviathan of Birr, a monumental 6-foot telescope that stood tall in 19th-century Ireland. Erected in 1845 by the visionary Irish astronomer William Parsons, also known as the 3rd Earl of Rosse, this technological marvel was a pioneering force in astronomical research. The artwork transports us back to an era when scientific exploration knew no bounds. The towering telescope, accessed by ladders and moved between supporting walls, symbolizes human ingenuity and our relentless quest for knowledge. It was within these very walls that groundbreaking observations were made, including the discovery of spiral structures within the M51 galaxy in 1845. Once hailed as the largest telescope in existence during its lifetime, this magnificent instrument left an indelible mark on history before being dismantled in 1908. However, its legacy lives on at Birr Castle Observatory which now stands as a museum dedicated to preserving scientific heritage. A replica of the Leviathan was constructed here in the 1990s to honor Lord Rosse's extraordinary contributions to astrophysics. Detlev van Ravenswaay's monochrome artwork beautifully captures both the grandeur and historical significance of this iconic structure. As we gaze upon it today, we are reminded not only of mankind's insatiable curiosity about our universe but also of those brilliant minds who dared to explore its mysteries centuries ago.
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