Chabot
Space & Science Center Since 1883
The original Chabot Observatory was built in 1883 by
Anthony Chabot. It was equipped with an 8-inch equatorial
refractor by Alvan Clark & Sons, a 4-inch double pier
transit and meantime clock by Fauth & Co., a Howard sidereal
clock, a Negus Break Circuit chronometer, and a chronograph.
The observatory was given to the Board of Education in
trust for the City of Oakland and was to be forever free to
the public and the public schools.
Chronology
1882
The new superintendent of the Oakland School District,
James C. Gilson, resolves that the district should have
a fine telescope such as the one he had seen at the
Philadelphia High School.
1883
Anthony Chabot, successful hydraulic engineer and
provider of water to the city, agrees first to fund an
8-inch telescope, and subsequently funds the new
observatory as well, which opens in downtown Oakland on
November 24th.
1885
Chabot further funds a Fauth Transit Telescope with its
opportunant chronometers and sideral clocks. This
telescope establishes the correct time by measuring the
passage of stars across its axis, and was used to set
the official local time.
1888
Anthony Chabot dies, endowing the Observatory, which now
assumes his name.
1915 - 1929
A new Observatory is built on a low hill, about five
miles east of City Hall, and equipped with the existing
telescope plus a new 20-inch instrument commissioned in
1914 from Warner & Swasey, with optics by John Brashear.
This is the current observatory on Mountain Boulevard.
1924
The East Bay Amateur Astronomical Association, now known
as the Eastbay Astronomical Society (EAS), is founded at
the new Observatory. The Association makes the
Observatory the focus of a great deal of innovative and
enthusiastic scientific activity.
1960 - 1964
Physics and biology programs are moved to the site, and
a new planetarium is built and equipped by four Oakland
Rotary Clubs. Kingsley Wightman is put is charge of the
astronomy/space sciences classes.
1976
After several years of discussions a site planning
committee recommends a new site at elevation 1,540 feet
several miles away.
1977
As the current observatory sits on the creep zone of the
Hayward Fault, a new law bans the use of the site by
school classes.
1980 - 1986
The Board of Education votes to support relocation, and
the concept of a new Science Center operated by a new
foundation begins to grow.
1989
The creation of the Chabot Observatory & Science Center
(COSC) as a Joint Powers Agency is approved by the City
of Oakland, the East Bay Regional Park District, and the
Oakland Unified School District, in conjunction with the
Eastbay Astronomical Society. This resolution creates a
new steward for the Chabot endowment, to which the
founding authorities can turn over assets. In the
meantime, maintenance at the present site has been
delayed, and the physical condition of the buildings
becomes even more critical.
1991
Dr. Michael Reynolds becomes the first Executive
Director of COSC.
1992
The Chabot Observatory & Science Center Foundation is
established as a nonprofit organization.
1993
The architectural firms of Gerson/Overstreet and
Fisher-Friedman Associates are retained to prepare the
Master Plan and to design the new facility.
1994
A contract with the United States Air Force provides a
construction grant of $17 million.
1996
A ground-breaking ceremony is held in October on the
site in the Oakland hills.
1998
Construction of the new Science Center begins in May.
2000
Chabot Observatory & Science Center changes its name to
Chabot Space & Science Center.
On August 19, Chabot Space & Science Center opens to
the public. The state-of-the-art Science Center features
the Chabot telescopes, the Ask Jeeves Planetarium, Tien
MegaDome theater, hands-on interactive science and
technology exhibits, teacher training and student labs,
and public science programs.
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