On Tuesday, March 19 at 4 p.m., exhibition "Rarities of Astronomy" will be opened at the UT Library. The most valuable pieces of the materials that were taken from UT Tartu Observatory to the library at the end of last year will be displayed.
The authors of the exhibited pieces are many prominent astronomers from 16th to 19th century, e.g. Kepler, Brahe, Newton, Struve, Knorre, Pfaff, and Mädler. The most attractive part visually is made up from 17th to 19th century star atlases created by researchers Bayer, Hevelius, Flamsteed, Bode, Reissig, and Braun.
"We have exhibited as many books as possible to emphasise the size and diversity of the collection," curator of the exhibition Kaisa Kauksi said. "From the works that originate from different centuries, the most interesting are the manuscripts of Tartu astronomers."
The exhibition is built up by topics, which makes it easier to follow for those who are not in close contact with astronomy in their daily lives.
Handing over the books is a part of the merging of Tartu observatory and the University of Tartu. The observatory has been part of the University of Tartu Faculty of Science and Technology since the beginning of 2018. At first a property of what is now the University of Tartu Old Observatory, the books have now made it back to their home – the university. Therefore the collection that was taken from the observatory to the university library at the end of 2018 is of a symbolic significance.
The exhibition is composed by the curators of the UT library Katrin Angel, Kaisa Kauksi, Laura Laanisto, and designed by Lilian Mengel. The exhibition was created in co-operation of the UT Tartu Observatory and Old Observatory.
The rarities of astronomy can be seen at the exhibition hall of the UT Library until the end of May.
During the exhibition, space-related events are held at the library. See the poster below!