The historical instruments from Valongo Observatory,Federal University of Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

Valongo Observatory is part of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was founded in 1881 with the primary mission of being used for the practical lessons given at Rio de Janeiro Polytechnic School. It has a collection of around 300 objects used in the teaching and research, including scientific instruments, apparatus and accessories. In this paper we discuss the collection formation, drawing on data about its objects, which were used in practical lessons for the disciplines relating to astronomy, geodesy and topography given at the observatory till the 1950s, and the practical lessons and research conducted as part of the undergraduate course in astronomy after 1958.