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]
 James Cook Observatory in 2016 | |
| Location | Titirangi Reserve, Gisborne, Gisborne District, New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 38°40′45″S 178°01′53″E / 38.6792°S 178.0315°E |
| Established | 9 October 1971 |
| Closed | 2019 |
 Related media on Commons | |
History
editThe 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]
References
edit- ↑ Muir, Jeremy (25 September 2019). "Navigations projects updated". Gisborne Herald. Archived from the original on 14 October 2022. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
- ↑ "Groundwork starts on Titirangi summit". Gisborne District Council. Gisborne District Council. 19 July 2019. Archived from the original on 23 February 2021. Retrieved 6 December 2025.
- ↑ "Observatory Opened". Gisborne Photo News. photonews.org.nz. 3 November 1971. Retrieved 6 December 2025.
- ↑ "About". Gisborne Astronomical Society. Zoë Stallmach. Retrieved 6 December 2025.
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