Finally, an Observatory

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

I have to be the luckiest person.

The other week a total stranger came up to me at the shops while I was getting some eclipse photos printed. He liked the photos and asked if I was interested in Astronomy. Then he asked if I had an observatory. I said no, one day though I hope to.
To cut a long story short, this fellow has given me his 4.5mt Astrodome.
It's in his backyard here in Kilcoy. He no longer needs it because he is converting his very large shed into a roll off obs.
It needs a few repairs done before it can be up and running, but hey, who's complaining.

Today I organised a crane truck to pick it up this Sunday morning.
The slab will have to wait until I get my tax cheque back.
I'll have to get the crane in again to move the dome onto the slab, but I can start on the repairs right away.

Here's a picture of the beast, a panorama of the 15degree horizon taken from EP height, and a photo of where she's going to be sitting. The rock marks where the pier will be.

BTW
Some of you may know this most generous man, his name is Glenn Lang.
Ironically, in the 2005 Astrofest group photo, he standing next to me on my left.

[allan gould]

Lucky, lucky, lucky
But then some people deserve it

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Who's a lucky bugger then.

Good onya Jeanette. What a fantastic present. And good on you Glenn where ever you may be.

[davewaldo]

Fantastic Jeanette!

You lucky person you!

[acropolite (Phil)]

Good find JJJ, keep us informed of the progress.

edit: and I forgot to say thanks Greg, a generous offer.

[sheeny (Al)]

That's great news, JJJ!

There's a lot of people around here who are envious! (Me included!) I'm sure you'll appreciate it!

Al.

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

LOL I'm as happy as can be!
Greg on the other hand.... say no more, we all know how non astronomy minded spouses can be.
But what the hell, I'm going ahead with it anyway. It's fortuitous that it's the Eclipse Photo's that are paying for the crane truck and half the bobcat hire.

[Shawn]

Way to go jjj, just brilliant.....4.5 meter is a fair size...good on ya...

[Astroman (Andrew Wall)]

Funny how this happens, I got my old dome from asking a guy at work if he knows someone with an observatory, mind you mine was $250 and was in worse condition.

[spearo (Frank)]

This is the kind of story that should be on TV news instead of the regular negative stuff!
fabulous stuff! It does sound like good Karma!
frank

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

That's great news Jeanette!!!!!!!!

Fellow astronomers helping fellow astronomers

That was a very nice gesture Glenn.

[h0ughy (David)]

well done JJJ I am completely Jealous

[acropolite (Phil)]

Next comes a pier and Eq mount....(where's the dollars smilie Mojo???)

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Ohhh, I don't think so yet Phil.
I'll have work up a few brownie points at home before I think about that.
(though I'm digging a hole for the pier after the ground is leveled)

[astroron (Ron)]

Goods onya Jeanettegreat to see you have got things started

[Gargoyle_Steve (Steve)]

Congrats Jeanette, that's fantastic, please do keep us posted on progress with more pics, etc .. and Glenn should we ever meet somewhere remind me to buy you a few beers, you're obviously a decent bloke!

[netwolf]

Congrats jjj, and hats of to Glenn.
What a wonderful thing to do.

Regards
Fahim

[Dennis]

Wow – this story has blown my socks off! Congrats Jeanette and for Glen – well done, it is terrific to stumble across such acts of kindness and generosity.

Cheers

Dennis

[avandonk]

I am really pleased for you jjjnettie. Having an observatory means you can do astro work without worrying about any change in the weather or constantly setting up and breaking down.

Glenn's gesture is what we need more of in this increasingly selfish world.

I congratulate you both.

Bert

[Garyh]

fantastic Jeanette, right time, right place and the right person!!
You are going to have so much fun when you get it all set up!!
cheers Gary