NEW! Captain James Cook's Telescopes

The topics on this site include: Cincinnati astronomy, antique telescopes, historical telescopes, antique scientific instruments, reflector telescope, refractor telescope, spyglass, pirate telescope, telescope history, history of astronomy, astronomy before the telescope. Topics to be added shortly: History of the Cincinnati telescopes and observatory, Captain Cook's telescopes, and many more photographs of old instruments. Rather than show all the well-known historical instruments in important museums (since these photos are readily available elsewhere), I prefer to show little-known astronomical instruments that are nonetheless typical of their time.

I make no claims for completeness. This site is intended as an overview of historical astronomical instruments. As more material is added in the months ahead, the site will naturally become more comprehensive.