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Perched on the elevated plains of Maselspoort, just 26 km east of Bloemfontein, the Boyden Observatory stands as a beacon of astronomical heritage and innovation. Its origins date back to 1889 when Harvard College Observatory established it in Peru, South America, to advance research under the clear Andean skies. Yet, seeking even more optimal conditions, Boyden was relocated to Bloemfontein in 1927, where it has since become a cornerstone of international astrophysical research and a symbol of South African scientific excellence.

Boyden’s history is rich with discovery. Sponsored by Uriah Atherton Boyden, an American engineer and inventor, the observatory played a pivotal role in the identification of Phoebe, one of Saturn’s moons, through groundbreaking work with the Bruce astrograph. It was here that the Shapley Supercluster – one of the largest known structures of galaxies in the universe – was identified, forever etching Boyden into the annals of astronomical discovery.

Other achievements:

• Harvard’s women scientists who used Boyden’s data:
  • Henrietta Leavitt discovered the Period-Luminosity Law, which unlocked the whole universe for us.
  • Annie Jump Cannon developed the first serious system for cataloguing stars, cataloguing 350 000 stars.
  • Williamina Flemming developed a common designation of stars.
  • Antonia Maury, first to detect and calculate the orbits and the periods of spectroscopic binaries.
  • Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, first to prove that stars are made mainly of hydrogen and helium.  All this at the time when women could not vote in the USA, among other discriminations.
• The first photographic atlas in history of the whole sky, 1903.
• One of its telescopes was used in 1888 to take the first picture in history of Mars.
• Mirror used to build the biggest telescope in the world in 1890.
• Completion of the Henry Draper catalogue of stars, the biggest at the time – 359 083 stars.
• Boyden Observatory was the first of six international observatories in history from 1954 to 1976 from Ireland, Northern Ireland, USA, Belgium, Germany, Sweden and later South Africa (UFS).
• Took a total of 200 000 photographic plates, which are all digitised and used daily by astronomers all over the world. And many more.

All of this displayed in the Boyden Observatory Museum.

In 1976, Harvard University generously presented Boyden Observatory to the University of the Free State (UFS) – a gesture that cemented the institution's role in fostering scientific advancement. Today, Boyden houses five international telescopes, continuing to unlock the mysteries of the universe through astrophysics research. The UFS Department of Physics leads this cutting-edge work, contributing to the global understanding of phenomena such as flare stars, variable stars, and superclusters. Boyden’s unique location, boasting clear skies and favourable conditions, makes it a prime site for these significant discoveries.

However, Boyden is more than a site of research; it is a living link between science and society. Last year alone, 17 000 learners and individuals visited Boyden and the planetarium as part of the UFS’ commitment to community engagement and science education. These learners, many of whom have experienced both the observatory and the planetarium, have been exposed to the wonders of the cosmos, sparking curiosity and passion for the sciences. Day visits to the planetarium, coupled with nighttime stargazing at Boyden, form part of a hands-on, immersive learning experience that leaves an indelible mark on young minds.

The observatory’s importance transcends its local context. It stands as a testament to UNESCO’s mission of preserving and promoting astronomical heritage, contributing to humanity’s collective understanding of the universe. As an officially designated site under the IAU's ‘Outstanding Astronomical Heritage’ programme, Boyden Observatory embodies the spirit of exploration and discovery that continues to inspire new generations of scientists and learners alike. Attached is a photo of the unveiling of the IAU and UNESCO plaque by Dr Sara Schechner (curator of Harvard's Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments) and Prof Gudrun Wolfschmidt (IAU Chair of Commission C4 WG Windows to the Universe: Classical and Modern Observatories).

In the era of space exploration, Boyden Observatory remains a critical node in global research, linking South Africa to the frontiers of astrophysics. It is not only a site of historical significance, but also a dynamic hub of scientific outreach. Through community-driven programmes, international collaborations, and advanced research, Boyden continues to fulfil its mission, fostering the next generation of thinkers who will push the boundaries of what we know about the universe.

Boyden Observatory’s legacy of exploration, education, and discovery continues to shine brightly – both as a historical gem and a future-oriented centre for scientific enquiry. Its roots may lie in the ambitions of 19th-Century astronomers, but its vision stretches far into the future, towards new horizons of understanding and engagement with the cosmos.