Leviathan of Parsonstown, Newton telescope at Birr Castle, Ireland
The Leviathan of Parsonstown measures 54 feet in length and contains a 72-inch diameter mirror weighing 3 tons at Birr Castle grounds.
William Parsons constructed this telescope between 1842 and 1845, making it the largest astronomical instrument in the world until 1917.
The telescope enabled astronomers to identify spiral structures in galaxies, including the detailed observation of the Whirlpool Galaxy M51.
The telescope operation involves a system of cables, weights, and pulleys, requiring observers to climb platforms for accessing the eyepiece.
The original speculum metal mirror, crafted from copper and tin alloy, required regular polishing to maintain its reflective properties.
Location: County Offaly
Inception: 1845
Creator: William Parsons, 3rd Earl of Rosse
Website: https://birrcastle.com/telescope-astronomy
GPS coordinates: 53.09677,-7.91758
Latest update: May 27, 2025 13:20
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