Grove Creek Observatory now fully internet controlled

[GCO]

Dear fellow astronomy web-masters:

Grove Creek Observatory is listed on hundreds of web pages as running public tours. I have tried my best to email the webmasters that have us listed to have this changed. If you have listings for public observatories and have us listed as open for tours, can you please change that information?

We have closed to the general public as of September last year and all our telescopes are now remotely internet controlled CCD instruments - we have 3 different remote telescope projects for Universties in the USA and 2 telescopes (a 12" LX-200 with a ST-10 and a C14 with a ST-8) are available on a not-for-profit publically available remote telescope system, called "Skylive". This system is available for everyone, where the other 2 projects are for students and faculty only. Details about our public system can be found at:
www.gco.org.au.skylive/ (http://www.gco.org.au.skylive/)

If you would like to use Grove Creek over the internet, please feel free to take a look at this project - we are adding more telescopes as membership grows. The small yearly membership free is a *fraction* of what some of the commerical remote internet observatories are charging.

Both "Skylive" in Italy (that hosts the telescope servers) and Grove Creek, are non-profit organisations. The membership fee is only 100 euros per year for UNLIMITED share use of 6 telescopes (4 in Italy and 2 at Grove Creek - current as of this posting - more are planed in the near future).

Could you please change/update any information regarding our facility being open for public tours? Grove Creek should now be listed as a fully dedicated remote telescope imaging research facility and we no longer have telescopes available for viewing on-site. The accommodation facilities are for on-site staff only and the entire property is fenced off and locked, with security systems in place, including a 24 hour guard, 100 metres north of the facility. The road signs have also been removed. We are trying to get as many web pages changed as possible, as people are still driving down the road, only to find a locked gate and alarms, which are effecting our night sky with car headlights.

Thanks in advance for this, I appreciate it,

Steven Williams,
Managing Astronomer.
Grove Creek Observatory
www.gco.org.au (http://www.gco.org.au)

[Rodstar]

Dear Steve,

One of my first astronomy experiences was at the Grove Creek Observatory back in the mid to late 80's. I will never forget the view of Omega Centauri, projected onto a large screen. It left me hooked for life. Not sure if you were involved at Trunkey Creek but if you were, thanks mate!

[Satchmo]

Interesting news , but a little sad in a way: the loss of a publically accessable dark sky observatory site that was open to the public, who would only be really interested in eyeballing the Universe with their own eyes anyway. Are there others feel the same way?

[spacezebra]

Hi Mark

I agree. It is dissapointing that observatories head in that direction, but no doubt economics plays a major part in the decision. I dont see why they cannot incorporate some element of eyeball observation:shrug:.

We are in the initial stages of scoping for a Public Observatory here in Albury - Wodonga, and I will be pushing heart and sole for a mix of eyeballing observation and research. It will be interesting to see how our project developes.

Cheers Petra d.

[dannat]

Petra, have you heard anything about the proposed observatory for Wagga?

[spacezebra]

Hi Daniel

We (ASAW) have tried on several occasions now - since late 2006 to contact - anyone in the Wagga astro community with no success. We would love to do joint observing or activities. Deniliquin have also tried to contact someone.

I would love to be proven wrong - but I think that the plan for the observatory is not progressing at this time.

Cheers Petra d.

[GCO]

Sorry, but that didn't have anything to do with it.

Since the 9/11 terror incidents, tours had dropped considerably (80% of our visitors where from the USA) and it became very difficult to fund the facility on tours alone.

Our initial objective was always to bring the universe to the general public and visiting astronomers, to share the wonders of the southern skies.
This change of direction was certainly not taken lightly - consideration was given to the fact that in recent years, there have been other public observatories built for the general public in the area and therefore Grove Creek was no longer the only place available (despite our premier night skies).

My health was also declining and it was difficult for me to continue with the demands of running tours with NO help, since 1986. With other private observatories having staff living on-site and deluxe accommodation that some people demanded, Grove Creek could no longer really compete.

Hope that explains it a little better.

[GCO]

Again, economics never played a part - Grove Creek does not and never did pay for staff. I have been doing it for free, since 1986.

Steven.

[spacezebra]

Hi Steven

Just to clarify, I did not mention staff in my post. Regardless, economics does play a part, and I quote from your website

"and it became very difficult to fund the facility on tours alone"

whether that be for, and not limiting to - general maintenance, insurance, electricity, phone, internet access, web site fees etc all impact on a not-for profit organisation.

Cheers Petra d.

[Satchmo]

Thanks for the detail, Steve. I'd imagine that many remotely located observatories are going through the same problems. The availability of robotic observatories in foreign countries would further shift the market away from tourism..why go half way around the world to strap your camera on the back of a telescope when you can get the same results from the comfort of home ?