August Lecture

7:00 Doors open - light refreshments

7:20 Student presentation

7:30 Dr. Greg Yoest

Standardized time on the North American continent came about in the late 19th century because of a collaboration between the Allegheny Observatory and the Pennsylvania Railroad. The railroads needed to have accurate time, very accurate time, to run their trains efficiently and safely, so they turned to the one source that could provide that down-to-the-second precision in that era-- the astronomers and their observations of the precise locations and times of the stars as they 'moved' across the skies at nighttime. Pennsylvania Railroad President William Thaw knew who the one man was who could provide that for him--Samuel Langley at the Allegheny Observatory.

Tour and weather dependent observing to follow.

There is a handicapped accessible ramp in the back. The domes on the tour require steps.

Park on the right hand side of the road that loops around the observatory. If you are coming from Pittsburgh and take exit 3 for Hazlett St. do NOT turn left on Milroy. Continue until your are rerouted.

Registrations are limited to 2 per person.

There is no cost for reservations, but donations are welcome and go entirely to outreach at the Allegheny Observatory.

Note: The lecture will be full. If you plans change and you can not make it, please cancel, though this platform, at Allegheny-observatory@pitt.edu or by leaving a message 412-321-2400. Someone on the waiting list will be glad for your spot.

Image Credit: Google AI