Astronomy Campus at 3 Rivers Ranch
Equipment at the Astronomy Campus:
26鈥� Ash Dome:
- This observatory is the campus's main feature observatory. It was constructed exceptionally well and the concrete post on which the pier sits is separated from the observatory floor to mediate vibrations from foot traffic. The large pier post sits deep into the ground, much deeper than the main floor around it. The telescope is a 15鈥� f12 D&G refractor manufactured in the late 70s with an eyepiece carousel. The telescope magnification can be changed immediately between 3 different eyepieces. A 21mm Ethos, 30mm Nagler, and a 44mm wide angle. The polar alignment and star tracking are perfect and targets never drift from view. It also has a near-perfect balance. The mount is an Astro-Physics 3600 GTO 鈥淓l Capitan鈥� with the latest CP4 controller and updated hand controller. The primary use of this scope is for viewing during star parties or events and not outfitted with any imaging or projection equipment.
27x27 Roll-off:
- This observatory houses a classic Obsession 30鈥� reflecting Dobsonian telescope. A computerized 鈥�goto鈥� ServoCat system has also been installed for GOTO operation and tracking. It serves as another main feature telescope for public star parties with amazing views! The third main feature telescope is stored inside this observatory and is rolled outside onto one of the three pads behind it for use during star parties or events. It is a classic Obsession 20鈥� reflecting Dobsonian 鈥減ush to鈥� with only the ability to use digital setting circles. There is another 20鈥� just like it ready for use inside the telescope storage building where the volunteer break room is located as well as tools, eyepieces, etc. The roll-off building also has a WiFi antenna and a sky quality meter attached to it that measures the darkness of the sky.
Conley Remote Controlled Rolloff:
- This observatory is a roll-off design that is 100% remotely operated. Everything from opening, usage, and shutdown can be achieved from anywhere with an internet connection and remote system access. It houses two pier systems, Aries and Bootes. It also houses the systems' computers, network, and battery backups, as well as a weather station used for emergency shutdown. Aries Pier uses a Software Bisque Paramount ME robotic mount. On this mount are two telescopes. A super rare Coronado SolarMax 90 Ha solar scope with a PlayerOne Saturn M mono camera for imaging and live solar projection. Also on this robotic mount is a rare Stellarvue SV152 refractor that uses LZOS lens glass. It has a QHY268M cooled CMOS camera with no filter wheel for imaging and live target projection. The Bootes pier has a Software Bisque Paramount MEII robotic mount. This is the successor of the original ME. It carries more payload and has a Celestron C14 telescope using a PlayerOne Neptune C-II color camera for planetary imaging. Training in this system is necessary and should only be operated by well-qualified individuals. Full automation is possible with work. This observatory was recently updated with steel beams and fresh paint for the roof to roll off onto.
30x30 Pad:
- In between the 27x27 and the Conley, a pad was prepped for another roll-off identical to the 27x27 to be constructed. It was going to house four more research-grade systems. This project never got past the 鈥減ad鈥� phase, but the groundwork is done.
Solar Scope Pad:
- A 16-foot-round piece of ground was prepped for a dedicated solar observatory between the 27x27 and the 30x30 pad south of the sidewalk. This project also never developed beyond the 鈥減ad鈥� phase, but the groundwork was completed. The ground out there is very soft, so special construction is required for observatories. Lots of care went into the prepped pads.
Telescope Storage and Volunteer Break Room:
- This building houses the extra 20鈥� obsession, mentioned earlier, and a solar scope that rolls out on a trolley. The solar scope stored here is for viewing solar using a white light filter and a bino viewer. It sits on a Losmandy GM8 mount. There is also a robotic star chair here that can be pulled out and used. It is a chair that moves with a joystick, coupled with a massive pair of binoculars, is a treat for relaxed views of the Milky Way while sitting comfortably. The other room in this building has a fridge, toaster oven, coffee maker, and snack cabinet, which the volunteers use as a break room. This section has heat and AC.