James Cook Observatory
Observatory in New Zealand
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The James Cook Observatory was the most eastern astronomical observatory in the world. It was located on Titirangi (Kaiti Hill), Gisborne, North Island, New Zealand. In 2019, it was demolished due to its structure being declared 'earthquake-prone'.[1][2]
LocationTitirangi Reserve, Gisborne, Gisborne District, New Zealand
Coordinates38.6792°S 178.0315°E
Established9 October 1971
Closed2019
James Cook Observatory in 2016 | |
| Location | Titirangi Reserve, Gisborne, Gisborne District, New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 38.6792°S 178.0315°E |
| Established | 9 October 1971 |
| Closed | 2019 |
 Related media on Commons | |
History
The observatory was officially opened on Saturday, 9 October 1971, being named after Captain James Cook.[3] The hilltop site was originally an observation post used by the New Zealand Home Guard during World War II to service the anti-submarine gun 25 metres south of and below the observatory. It was later extended and a 5-metre dome was added.[4]
