Just in time for an Eclipse!  

The Brydone Jack Observatory is the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Canada, built in 1851.

Constructed of wood, it has an octagonal tower especially designed to house its equatorial telescope.

Dr. Jack carried out astronomical observations and determined longitudes, essential for cartography in the province, and his measurements were used in the first map of New Brunswick.

A copy of that map, and the equipment Dr. Jack used, including a 7.5-foot achromatic telescope custom-made in Munich in 1849 of mahogany and brass, are housed in the observatory.  

The Observatory is undergoing maintenance so tours of the inside are unavailable. It it still worth a visit to see the exterior of this National Historic Site of Canada.