One could be forgiven for mistaking these structures for the set of science fiction epic staged on a planet light years from Earth. In fact, they are centuries-old scientific instruments, designed and used in Jantar Mantar (Jaipur), India, to explore the heavens. They were built by a great Maharaja in the early decades of the 18th century and they have been in continuous use since.
Read the full story and see more remarkable photos of the observatory at Kuriositas.
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As we raise our eyes, we might send celestial birthday greetings to Mary Watson Whitney; she was born on this date in 1847. A protege of astronomer Maria Mitchell, Whitney followed her mentor as professor of astronomy at Vassar and as head of the Observatory there. A champion of scientific education for women, Whitney built Vassar’s astronomy program into one of the…
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