Tracking the universe and history 

By Brandie Majeau 
Newbrook Observatory was established in the early 1950s because of the collaboration
between the US and Canada and their efforts to understand the upper atmosphere through
meteor studies.  While the scientific theories behind the studies are intriguing, that is another
story entirely.  What makes Newbrook Observatory fascinating is its historical significance and
the impact it had on the space community.  A tiny spot on the map was chosen for this site
simply because the Federal Government was already leasing land in this area and Western
Canada was recognized for its dark skies. 
Art Griffin, a scientist from Ontario, became the principal scientist in 1952 with the
initial opening of the observatory.  For the first four years, he studied the heavens, sparkling
with untold secrets, and documented his results.  Merging his information with the findings of
other records helped to give the world a glimpse into the astonishing unknowns of space. What
was out there?  The nights were long, and the winters were difficult.  However, the space was
equipped with the Super-Schmidt Meteor Camera, outdoor cameras, and an excess of other
state-of-the-art research equipment.  These amenities made the life of a passionate scientist
comfortable and fulfilling as they embraced an occupation that at that time was so rare.  The
observatory was designed so that the room housing the camera had a roof that could be
completely unhinged and pulled open to reveal the beauty of the darkness above, and the main
office space was built with a glass dome to allow comfortable viewing in any weather. 
The world’s fascination with space grew.  The Cold War fueled a political battle between
the United States and the Soviet Union to become technological leaders.  America was
scrambling in its desire to be the first country to launch into space. With aspirations and
experimentation, they were dealt a crushing blow on October 4, 1957.  The Soviet Union had
successfully launched a satellite into the Earth’s orbit.  This accomplishment was met with a mix
of emotions around the world. So, what does this have to do with Art Griffin, tucked away in a
tiny observatory in Newbrook, Alberta?  On the morning of October 9, 1957, Griffin spotted a
thin line of light moving across the sky and, utilizing the outdoor cameras, caught the first
image in North America of Sputnik. The Soviet Union had not been deceiving the world.  Griffin
had captured actual proof of their achievement. 
With the progression of space exploration and technological advances, the need for
these little meteor research stations became a thing of the past.  By 1970, the Newbrook
Observatory was closed, and all the equipment had been removed.  And there it stood, empty
and mostly forgotten.  A building that a random local would tell stories about or someone
would mention that it could be something more: it was something special.  Over two decades
later, that “something special” was acknowledged.  It was finally recognized as a Provincial
Historic Resource.   
The Newbrook Historical Society and Thorhild County have been working to restore this
distinctive location to become a place people would like to come and visit.  A Super-Schmidt
Meteor Camera has been tracked down and installed in the observatory, and current talks are
in the works to restore the roof so it can once again be pulled open to reveal the building in its
full glory.  An exact replica of Sputnik is showcased in the observatory alongside an image of the

famous Sputnik 1 photograph.  There is also a replica of the meteor that fell in Abee, AB, in
1952, just over 10 kilometres away from Newbrook. 
The living quarters located next to the observational building are being converted into a
museum.  When they began, there was nothing there but a shell of rooms and an organ.  “No
one knows where it came from or who it belonged to.” 
With many donations and helping hands, the Newbrook Observatory Museum is taking
shape.  A room is being dedicated to school and church artifacts, and the main area showcases
not only the life of the observatory but the history of the area.  Photos and relics are presented
everywhere you turn, proof of small-town success in its prime.  Car dealerships, hotels, bars,
schools, churches, and theaters, are all the things that made these small communities a success
and a place to be.  The Newbrook Historical Society has much work to do but has visions of a
place tourists want to see.  They see a site well maintained and notable, a backdrop for photos,
and above all else, a place to step back in time.