Drake Municipal Observatory

e possible by the cooperation of the City of Des Moines and Drake University. The city furnished the ground (.23 acres) and the funds to build the observatory. The university furnished the scientific instruments, displays and staff. Constructed in 1920-21, the building stands on the highest ground in the city of Des Moines. The architecture is classic of the severe Grecian type and the structure is “T” shaped in plan. Construction is load-bearing masonry with reinforced concrete floors and roof. The operable copper dome at the center of the building houses the main telescope. The exterior of the observatory is gray Bedford limestone. Entrance to the Observatory

Elements around the doorway represent the contributions of the Chaldean, Persian, Egyptian, Greek and Roman civilizations to the science to which the building is dedicated. Notable features at the entrance related to astronomy include the sundial immediately south of the building, which leads the observer to reflect upon the importance of the sun to our planet. The figures of the zodiac carved in limestone blocks around the entrance doors represent the twelve constellations identified by ancient astronomers of many civilizations and direct the mind to consider the relative position of the earth, sun and surrounding firmament. The winged disk above the main entrance was often placed over the entrances to building of ancient Egypt. Note the dates to the right and left of the winged globe. The 1920 date is from our current Christian Era calendar, while the date of J.E. 6633 represents the “Julian Era” which is used to calculate the number of days between significant astronomical events. Rotunda

Notice the map of the solar system inlaid in the file floor. The configuration of the planets represents their relative positions at the time the observatory was constructed. The map does not include Pluto, which had not yet been recognized as a planet in 1921. Transit Room

The transit room is named for the instrument on the pedestal in the center of the room. The transit telescope was the most accurate method of determining time prior to development of the atomic clock. This device was used as the official timepiece of the City of Des Moines, and a telegraph line to the observatory also provided information to railroads. Note the shutters on the ceiling, which were opened to enable reading based on the positions of the stars. Public Lecture Room and Library

This room has been called “the gem of the entire building.” It is an unusual feature in an observatory and holds 100 people. The doorway to the office is in the southeast corner. Observing Room

The Observing Room houses the main telescope, which was built in 1894 and donated to Drake University by Francis Marion Drake. It is mounted on reinforced concrete beams, resting on the extra-heavy stone wall and insulated from possible vibrations by compressed cork. The dome is 18 feet in diameter and a balcony is around the exterior of the observing tower. The roof of the lecture hall was originally finished with promenade tile. This area of the building was included to provide the opportunity to entertain a large group of people with naked eye observations. Today, it is also used as the site of additional telescopes for public viewing.