Natal Observatory, Historic astronomical observatory in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Natal Observatory is an astronomical facility that stood in Durban as a center for observing the sky and tracking weather patterns. It was equipped with a refracting telescope and meteorological instruments to record celestial events and gather data about the local climate.
The facility was established in 1882 under British astronomer Edmund Neville Nevill and operated for about 30 years. After closure in 1911, its instruments were relocated to another observatory in Johannesburg for continued research.
The observatory staff included Mabel Grant, who performed astronomical calculations before becoming a prominent figure in South African tennis.
The site is located in Durban near the harbor in an accessible urban area that is easy to reach. Today it sits among other historical structures that reflect the city's scientific past and maritime heritage.
The research conducted here produced tidal tables that helped ships navigate safely through Durban Harbour, making the astronomical work directly useful to maritime traffic. This practical application showed how observation of the heavens could serve everyday navigation needs.
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