Nat/Sci In-Person: Chamberlin Observatory

Chamberlin Observatory: Denver's Victorian Gem of Science and Architecture
One In-Person Session
Fri., Mar. 7, 2025, 7-9 pm MT

To better understand the University of Denver’s Chamberlin Observatory, the quintessential hub for astronomical activities in Denver, it helps to go back to the 19th century when Victorian England dominated Western culture. “Britannia was the preeminent world leader in commerce, military might, manufacturing, technology and social change,” says Bill Kast, a lifelong astronomy buff. “And the Queen's consort, Prince Albert, was a passionate advocate of the sciences at a time when astronomy was entering a golden age, and towering observatory domes were becoming the new status symbols of cutting-edge universities.” Across the pond, and in the 1860s, DU was founded. It turns out that an early friend of the fledgling university was a British-born real estate promoter named Humphrey Chamberlin who wanted to elevate Denver to the Victorian Era’s cultural standards. In 1888, Chamberlin, an amateur astronomer, pledged $50,000 to DU for a world-class observatory. Just six years later, Chamberlin Observatory opened with a 20-inch Alvan Clark refractor telescope that ranked among the largest instruments not just in the U.S. but in the world. Join Kast as he explores the beginnings of the observatory and offers a guided tour of the building. And weather permitting, enjoy a peek through the historic Clark telescope to view the Moon, Jupiter and Mars.

Bill Kast’s interest in astronomy was sparked by the launch of Sputnik and the early days of space exploration. He got his first telescope at age 10 and has been looking up ever since. He has served on the Denver Astronomical Society’s board for the last three years.