Napoleon III Telescope (University of Notre Dame)

The Napoleon III Telescope, also known as the 12-inch refractor, is a historical astronomical instrument located at the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana. Its history is intertwined with political upheaval and scientific advancement.

Originally commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III of France for the Imperial Observatory of Paris, the telescope was constructed by the renowned Parisian instrument maker Secretan. However, before it could be installed in Paris, the Franco-Prussian War erupted in 1870, leading to the overthrow of Napoleon III and the establishment of the Third Republic. The political instability prompted the French government to sell the telescope.

Father John Augustine Zahm, C.S.C., a professor of physics and chemistry at Notre Dame, recognized the potential value of the instrument for astronomical research and education. In 1873, he successfully negotiated its purchase for the university, securing it from its agent in New York.

The telescope arrived at Notre Dame in the summer of 1873 and was initially housed in temporary structures. A permanent observatory building was constructed on campus, and the Napoleon III Telescope became the centerpiece of astronomical studies at the university. It served as a vital tool for both research and the instruction of students in astronomy.

Over the years, the Napoleon III Telescope has been used for a variety of astronomical observations, including the study of planets, stars, and nebulae. While modern, larger telescopes now exist, the Napoleon III Telescope remains a significant historical artifact, representing both a link to 19th-century European science and the early development of astronomical research at the University of Notre Dame. It is still used for educational purposes and public outreach, offering students and visitors a chance to observe the night sky through a historic instrument.