Old Instruments
Astronomical Instruments of the K.u.K. Naval Observatory in Pula
More extensive study of the history of Pula Observatory revealed the existence of the following astronomical instruments.
Transit Instrument "Brunner"
Made in 1842 in the mechanical workshop of the Polytechnic Institute in Vienna. It was used at the Observatory while it was still in Trieste, and was transferred to Pula in 1866 along with the Observatory. It was installed in the meridian hall where it was used for the time service, as well as for determining geographical longitudes and latitudes. It was removed in 1874. Its current location is unknown.
Refractor "Schaffler"
Made by Viennese mechanic Otto Schafler. Installed in the southwest dome of the Observatory in 1871. It had an objective diameter of 170 mm and a focal length of 2500 mm. It was mounted on a German equatorial mount with measuring circles of 240 mm diameter. Its current location is unknown.
Meridian Circle "Troughton & Simms"
Made by the English company "Troughton & Simms". It was brought to Pula in August 1874. It had an objective diameter of 160 mm, with a focal length of 2105 mm. Used for the needs of the time service. After the end of the First World War, it was taken over by the Trieste Astronomical Observatory, where it remains today.
Reflector "Brachyt"
Made by the Viennese company Fritch. Installed on June 1, 1881. It had a mirror diameter of 300 mm, making it the largest reflecting telescope of its kind in the world. As salt particles brought by the wind from the sea too often destroyed the silver coating on the mirrors, this telescope was removed as early as 1886. Its current location is unknown.
Refractor "Steinheil"
Made by the company Reinfelder und Herdtel. Installed in 1886 in the northeast dome. It had an objective diameter of 60 mm with a focal length of 2100 mm. Used for observing sunspots. After the end of the First World War, it was taken over by the Trieste Astronomical Observatory.
Transit Instrument "Repsold"
Installed in the northeast dome of the Pula Observatory in 1898. Used by the Time Service when the meridian circle was occupied with determining star positions. Its optical characteristics are unknown. Its current location is unknown.