Gazing upon the Theodore Jacobson Observatory a timeless structure stands before you. This isn’t just any building. It’s a portal to the cosmos a testament to Seattle’s rich history of astronomical exploration. Built in 1895 it’s the second-oldest building on the University of Washington campus.
The Theodore Jacobson Observatory wasn’t always so grand. It began with a $3000 grant. Professor Joseph M Taylor envisioned a place for celestial study. He used Tenino sandstone leftover from Denny Hall construction. The original observatory was short-lived. Taylor soon sought a more permanent structure. He cleverly repurposed the excess stone and funds from Denny Hall’s construction. Thus the stone masonry observatory we see today came to be.
The six-inch refracting telescope is the star of the show. Inside its dome this marvel of engineering boasts a Brashear lens and a Warner & Swasey equatorial mount. A fascinating detail? It rotates on cannonballs leftover from the Civil War. The telescope’s journey was quite adventurous. Originally purchased in 1891 it was moved to the current campus once the observatory was finished.
The observatory was later named after Theodor S Jacobsen. Professor Jacobsen a UC-Berkeley graduate and Lick Observatory Fellow arrived at UW in 1928. He taught for many years enriching the university’s astronomy department. Legend has it he hurt his back moving a large telescope. He then decided teaching was a less physically demanding occupation. Still his research on variable stars continued. His last book was published in 1999 four years before his death at age 102.
The Theodore Jacobson Observatory’s architecture is remarkable. Charles W Saunders a prominent Seattle architect designed it. He also designed Denny Hall. The building features Romanesque Revival style arches. The original wooden sash units remain in the windows. The observatory is a blend of the old and the new. It holds free public showings. It hosts slide shows on other evenings. The Theodore Jacobson Observatory is more than just a building. It’s a living legacy a connection between past achievements and future explorations of the universe.