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FRIHUMSAM-Fri prosj.st. hum og sam

Hansteen and the Observatory: The New Place for the Science of Space in Nineteenth Century Norway

Awarded: NOK 5.9 mill.

Project Manager:

Project Number:

190845

Application Type:

Project Period:

2009 - 2013

Within Norwegian historiography, the role of the natural sciences has not been sufficiently taken into account when analyzing 1814 and the process of state-formation during the nineteenth century. This project will challenge such interpretations by focusi ng, first, on Christopher Hansteen, the most prominent scientific 'nation builder' in the years after 1814, and, second, the role of the observatory in Christiania established in the early 1830s. Further, in relation to history of science internationally, it is evident that the organisation, functions and techniques of such observatories have been systematically studied to a much lesser extent when compared with other scientific institutions like universities, libraries, museums, laboratories and discipli nes. Thus, a study of Hansteen and the observatory in Christiania will be an important contribution both to Norwegian historiography and to history of science internationally. Focusing more specifically on the spatial dimension of the observatory, the i nternational networks for exchange of scientific instruments and practices, the actual scientific techniques concerning geodesy, astronomy, surveying, cartography, meteorology and metrology, and, finally, the social use of the observatory and the various audiences Hansteen addressed, the project will concentrate on the practical, technical and spatial dimensions of the observatory. How can we understand and explain the role, the relevance and the use of Hansteen's work at the observatory in relation to th e emerging Norwegian national state?

Funding scheme:

FRIHUMSAM-Fri prosj.st. hum og sam