Semi-weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1852-1853, 1853-02-26
THE MONSTER TELEscopE

We have already published partial description
of the telescope which the Rev. Mr. Craig has been
erecting in England at bis own cost, and from
which the most important discoveries in astronomy
are expected
A late number Of the London Morning Chroni-
Gle devotes more than a column to the subject.
The building was commenced about four months
since, and consists of plain central tower of brick
the walls of which are aboutzeighteen inches in
thickness, the height sixtyfour feet and the dia-
meter fifteen feet. 1t is erected upon solid bed
of concrete and weighs two hundred and twenty
tons. This tower is the very perfection of construc-
ton, so as to prevent the slightest vibrations and
this can be still further provided against if
| sary, by loading the different floors, by which
means the most complete steadiness is secured.
BY the side of this tower hangs the gigantic tele
scope, the immense tube of which measuring eigh-
ty-ive feet in length, is shaped something like a
cigar. AT one end is the eye piece, at the height
of about five feet from the ground, ard at the 9th
er the dew-cap, or covering, the object of which
IS to prevent the absorption and condensation of
moisture which takes place during the night when
the instrument is most in USE The exterior is of
bright metal, and the interior painted black, to
absorb the divergent rays of light. The instrument
has focal distance which varies from seventy-six
to elghty-hve feet, and its greatest circumference
is thirteen feet the widest portion of the tube being
about twenty four feet from the object glass, and
the determination of this point was the result of
repeated experiments made with great care. The
instrument has an object glass of feet aperture
and has already given evidence of its marvellous
power. One of the lenses is of flint, and the other
of plate or crown glass. The two, placed in con-
tact, are used in combination, and constitute the
achromatIc glass. The tube, when mounted
weighs between three and four tons.
Some idea of its powers may be formed from
the fact that it magnifes the light of the moon
10000 times, and in objects, like the out
lines of the lunar mountains and the craters, the
whole OF these rays may be allowed to pass at
to the focal point, they do not in such objects
confuse 1T In any appreciabe degree. In the Craig
telescope the moon IS most magnificent object, |
and perfectly colorless, enabling the behoder to
trace the outlines of the various mountain ranges
with such Vlvld dlstnctness to make us long for
fine clear weather in order to bring the whole |
powers of this marvellous instrument to bear upon
our satellite. 1t is positively asserted that on
favorable evening, if there building or object
Of the Size OF Westminster Abbey in the moon the
whole OF Its parts and proportions would be dis
lnctly revealed. As illustration of its spaco-
penetrating powers, and the manner in which it
srasps In the light 1t is stated that soon after it
was erected 1t was directed to test object min
lite speck OF light III of the consultations
which Is not to be seen at all times by the most II
excellent instruments, though guided by frst-rate
observers, and in profound darkness The Craio
elescope at once discovered that this test-obiect
vas not minute speck of light, but a brilliant
louble star. AS soon as it is finally adjusted. Mr.
jralg proposes to direct the instrument to the
'anet Venus, to examine it infinitely, in the hope
hat he may be able to settle the question of wheth
r she has satellite or not q