Macedon Ranges Observatory Has Risen

[do3_37mro]

After many months in the planning and building stages, the Macedon Ranges Observatory framework arrived on site yesterday. The corner supports have been placed into position and secured. Roof RHS Beams were hoisted into position today with the 2 Section 1 roof rollable sections added as well. Next week we start on the secons stage.
Pictures available here:
http://www.darksky.net.au/news.html
Cheers, Bert

[Ric]

Hi Bert, that is one fine structure it will be very impressive when finished.

Cheers

[Kal]

Looks big! This is going to house 9 piers right?

[rapidfire]

wow this looks amazing!!!...and its just up the road!!!

[rmcpb]

That is one serious observatory!!

[davidpretorius]

impressive

[do3_37mro]

Yes Kal.
This main facility will house 9 piers for mainly U.S based researchers toting very very serious gear. Although I have set aside 1 pier for myself, and with the exception of the ones taken up so far, there are a couple left availble.
The south end of the building will also house the internal Computer Control Room for automated control and imaging operations.
Cheers, Bert

[gaa_ian]

That is one serious observatory !
What sort of gear are your US observers using 16" Meade RC's ? or better ?

[do3_37mro]

Hi gaa_ian
We will be hosting 20 inch and 12.5 inch RCOS Scopes with several piggybacked AstroPhysics 150mm Apo refractors all on Paramount ME Mounts. Camera gear will also be the high end Sbig 11000's. Roof Control will be done via a Boltwood SkySensor Mark III which will also act as a weather readout source.
Bert