A historic manuscript donated by the late astronomer and TV presenter Sir Patrick Moore has gone on display at Mills Observatory.
The manuscript, titled The Moon – With a Description of its Surface Formations, was written by Walter Goodacre and donated to the observatory by Moore in 1972.
Walter Goodacre (1856-1938) was a leading amateur astronomer and a key figure in the study of the Moon.
He was a founding member of the British Astronomical Association in 1890 and served as Director of its Lunar Section for over 40 years.
His detailed observations led to the creation of the most accurate lunar maps of his time, including his famous 1910 hand-drawn “Map of the Moon”, which was made up of 25 detailed sketches.
In 1931, Goodacre published The Moon – A Description of its Physical Features, which updated his earlier work and included the first high-resolution lunar photograph, taken by Francis Pease from Mount Wilson Observatory.
His work remained the most comprehensive guide to the Moon’s surface and is still valued by astronomers today.
Goodacre’s observations were made using a 10-inch Cooke refracting telescope, which he operated from his own observatory in North Finchley, London.
That very telescope is now housed within the dome at Mills Observatory, although due to its size and age, it is only used on special occasions.
The display of Goodacre’s manuscript highlights Mills Observatory’s long-standing role in astronomical research and offers visitors a chance to learn about the history of lunar mapping.
The manuscript provides a glimpse into the early efforts to document the Moon’s surface, long before modern space exploration.
This exhibition is a rare opportunity to see a piece of astronomical history up close and appreciate the work of one of Britain’s most important early lunar observers.
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