AFTER nearly 50 years, a $2500 makeover and refurbishment has given the Ward Observatory's telescope a new lease on viewing.
Wanganui Astronomical Society secretary Mark Lee said a team of local society members had pulled the telescope apart over the past month.
Wellington telescope maker and expert Gordon Hudson had led the way, Mr Lee said.
Mr Hudson was now working on a complete refurbishment at the Carter Observatory in Wellington, he said.
The 105-year-old 24-centimetre refractor telescope was first installed at the observatory in 1902 and at the time was the largest in the southern hemisphere.
Mr Lee said Friday night viewings (if the sky is clear) were very popular with parents and children.
The planet that always leaves them speechless with awe is Saturn, he said.
"Sometimes they can't believe they're seeing the real thing. They think it's a picture."
New look for Ward telescope
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