Point Cook Observatory

algwat (Alan) · #1 11-11-2014, 02:45 PM

Gidday All, local Melbourne western suburban night dwellers.

I live in Altona and often pass by the dome at the Point Cook RAAF base.
It seems to me that this is not really being used at the moment??

Since the Aircraft Museum is also at this location. I was wondering if any one has any ideas as too how this dome could be made into a public viewing observatory. Perhaps to be used from dusk to midnight for small groups(8-10). The cloud count is high around hear but there would be some good days and the location is in a dark well looking south and west over the bay.

A big dome with small equipment might not be attractive , but its a start.
It would have better sky than Melbourne observatory in the botanic gardens

If it could be linked to the activities of the Aircraft museum or even ScienceWorks. Some fun could be had with enthusiastic local helpers.

I would very much appreciate your thoughts on this concept. And yes I realize the RAAF base is an important part of the access problem.

kind regards, Alan

mental4astro (Alexander) · #2 11-11-2014, 03:41 PM

Why not contact the Base through the Volunteer contact page:

http://www.airforce.gov.au/raafmuseum/volunteers.htm

Hans Tucker (Hans) · #3 11-11-2014, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by algwat

Gidday All, local Melbourne western suburban night dwellers.

I live in Altona and often pass by the dome at the Point Cook RAAF base.
It seems to me that this is not really being used at the moment??

Since the Aircraft Museum is also at this location. I was wondering if any one has any ideas as too how this dome could be made into a public viewing observatory. Perhaps to be used from dusk to midnight for small groups(8-10). The cloud count is high around hear but there would be some good days and the location is in a dark well looking south and west over the bay.

A big dome with small equipment might not be attractive , but its a start.
It would have better sky than Melbourne observatory in the botanic gardens

If it could be linked to the activities of the Aircraft museum or even ScienceWorks. Some fun could be had with enthusiastic local helpers.

I would very much appreciate your thoughts on this concept. And yes I realize the RAAF base is an important part of the access problem.

kind regards, Alan

The dome is a legacy from the time Point Cook was the location of the Airforce Academy 1961-1985 and Astrophysics was taught as part of the curriculum. Unfortunately defence doesn't want to pay to keep facilities that don't have a specific defence application. Here at RAAF Laverton they are demolishing buildings. You would also need to get a uniformed member to be OIC of any club style activity. The last I heard was the ADG's were using this dome area as a boozing venue.

algwat (Alan) · #4 12-11-2014, 01:45 PM

Thanks Gents,
I made a phone call to the volunteers contact number hoping to start a conversation on the concept possibility and practicalities.

Hans, I hope this front building with the dome is not up for the demo treatment.

kind regards, Alan

mental4astro (Alexander) · #5 12-11-2014, 03:08 PM

Alan, let us know what comes of this! You've got me curious and interested.

algwat (Alan) · #6 21-11-2014, 06:28 PM

It's been a week , no feed back on the phone call.
So, phase 2 go an see some nice aircraft and start a face to face at the info desk?

rgds, Alan

mental4astro (Alexander) · #7 21-11-2014, 06:36 PM

Alan, thanks for keeping us informed,

Yep, sounds like phase 2 is the way to go. A recorded message about the observatory may well have scared off who ever took the call - for some reason so many people are just scared stiff with scopes, and mention an observatory! holy heck!!!!

They can't hide with face-to-face...

algwat (Alan) · #8 21-11-2014, 06:42 PM

I did talk to guy, but the senior dudes were out at the time.... Trying to find out if they have committee ??.....

mental4astro (Alexander) · #9 21-11-2014, 07:07 PM

Imagine if there is a puppy like this one in that obs, a 36" refractor...

$Click image for larger version Name: 36inchrefract.jpg Views: 37 Size: 89.6 KB ID: 173260$

Hmmm, looks like I might have a bad case of wishful thinking...

Mind you I do know of a 36" reflector that's up for sale...

algwat (Alan) · #10 21-11-2014, 07:50 PM

I'm only expecting pigeon crap...and a few bottles by the sounds of it....?? 8)

Don't know anything about what was there when operational...?

regards, Alan

ylass · #11 22-06-2015, 05:29 AM

Hello. I wondered if anything became of this? Also Bacchus Marsh Grammar have relatively recently obtained a small observatory. I wasn't sure if star nights were held there.

skogpingvin (Bill) · #12 08-02-2019, 04:37 PM

Well, it's been four years - time for a bump?

What's happening about this? My boss was interested, and I told him I'd see if there was any news.

So any news?

John K · #13 24-02-2019, 09:53 PM

I actually wondered myself about this dome as I have recently joined Point Cook Flying Club.

Wondered what instrument if any is in the dome itself.

Best way to make contact is send Defence RAAF Point Cook an email.

John K.

anthony2302749 · #14 25-02-2019, 08:59 AM

Hi all

I kind of recall that the telescope that once graced the Pt Cook Observatory was purchased some years back, we are talking decades ago, and shipped to Wagga Wagga to become part of an observatory up there.

A gentleman name of Michael Maher is the driving force behind the observatory and I believe I saw a picture of him and said telescope at the Wagga Museum not long after the purchase. I can't find any info on google other then a news video about approval to develop the observatory dated Feb 2018.

Cheers Anthony