Meridian Instrument This picture of a combined Zenith Telescope and reversible Transit Instrument, seen here used on the USNO expeditions to observe the Solar Eclipses of 1900 and 1901, is identical to the instruments that were used by the Transit of Venus parties for determining latitude and time.

These were Stackpole telescopes of "broken-tube" design with a 2½" clear aperture and 30 inch focal length. The viewing eyepiece was at the far end of the horizontal part, behind the spoked setting circle. The two hooks on the right used to carry an oil lamp for the cross-hair illumination, visible in this picture (12k.jpg).

Source:
Publications of the USNO, Second Series, Vol. IV, Part IV, Plate V

Back to 1882 TOV page