Temple Chevallier was made chair of Mathematics and Astronomy from 1841, the first person to hold this post. He was instrumental in establishing the Durham University Observatory (completed the same year), having successfully compiled the funds to build it, and served as its Director for thirty years, from which he made important observations of Jupiter's moons and regular meteorological observations.
Instruments were donated by local members of the clergy, with the building being designed by the renowned architect Anthony Salvin.
Richard C. Carrington sought the experience necessary to begin a career in Astronomy. For his first six months as Observer, he made observations of a small number of stars, the moon, and the major planets. Following this, he largely used the Fraunhofer to observe twelve minor planets and four comets. Unfortunately he found the transit distance to be too small to accurately record the positions of background, reference stars, forcing him to delay publishing results as a consequence. At Chevallier's request, Carrington also maintained meteorological readings twice daily.
The instruments in the observatory were greatly insufficient. They were adequate for occasional viewings of comets and asteroids, but not for any long-term plans or programmes. The Observatory had little money; the university had overspent during the construction and now had nothing to spare to remain at the forefront of observation. In March 1951, even the simple cost of a carriage from Cambridge was beyond the Observatory funds, preventing the prompt retrieval of the any recent records.
Carrington argued that they should be proactive, creating a programme first and then choosing which instruments to buy in order to support it. The Observatory so far bought available instruments and then would find something to do with them. By this time the Fraunhofer was considered 'radically and incurably bad', lacking a declination circle large enough to make accurate polar measurements. To amend this, Carrington suggested the purchase of a new 9ft refractor, and planned a new building to house it. He was certain his reputation depended on the quality of his equipment.
He was known to clash with Chevallier, doubting his adequacy for directing the Observatory. Carrington requested to marry and also remain in the post. When this was rejected, along with his other plans, in 1853 Carrington left Durham for Redhill Observatory.
He maintains fame within astronomy for discovering the differential motion of the sun. At Redhill in 1859, he made a detailed account of the first recorded solar flare, gaining him more recognition as this solar storm is still known as the 'Carrington Event'.
The Durham Observatory employed an Observer from the origin of the building to the turn of the 21st Century. The role varied from astronomical to meteorological, held by young unmarried men until its final posting.
Find out about the development of the School of Science at Durham University in the latter 1800s
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