James Cook Observatory

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James Cook Observatory in 2016. James Cook Observatory Front View.jpg
James Cook Observatory in 2016.

The James Cook Observatory was the most eastern astronomical observatory in the world. It was located on Titirangi (Kaiti Hill), Gisborne, North Island, New Zealand. In 2019, it was demolished due to its structure being declared 'earthquake-prone'. [1] [2]

History

The observatory was officially opened on Saturday, October 9, 1971, being named after Captain James Cook. [3] The hilltop site was originally an observation post used by the New Zealand Home Guard during World War II to service the anti-submarine gun 25 metres south of and below the observatory. It was later extended and a 5-metre dome was added. [4]

References

  1. ↑ Muir, Jeremy (25 September 2019). "Navigations projects updated". Gisborne Herald. Archived from the original on 14 October 2022. Retrieved 11 Jan 2025.
  2. ↑ "Groundwork starts on Titirangi summit". Gisborne District Council. Gisborne District Council. 2019-07-19. Archived from the original on 2021-02-23. Retrieved 2025-12-06.
  3. ↑ "Observatory Opened". Gisborne Photo News. photonews.org.nz. 1971-11-03. Retrieved 2025-12-06.
  4. ↑ "About". Gisborne Astronomical Society. Zoë Stallmach. Retrieved 2025-12-06.

38°40′45″S178°01′53″E / 38.6792°S 178.0315°E / -38.6792; 178.0315

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