The "Ideal" Astronomy Estate - Split from M45 not

[gaa_ian]

Hey Paul
I think we need a "desert Park" estate for Astronomers.
Specs:
1. No plants over 6ft tall.
2. No lights other than red ones.
3. Must have at least 300 clear nights a year.
4. Must have a research grade 1000mm scope installed
5. A Conference facility for visiting Astro guest speakers.
6. Altitude of at least 2000 ft AGL.
Ummm ..... what else ?

[[1ponders]]

7. many 2meter by 2 meter concrete pads (covered in a dense rubber to dampen vibration) with 240V power to each one.
8. A large water area stocked with Barra, perch and bass for daytime relaxation.

[gaa_ian]

9. Every house to have a fully A/C dark room for daytime sleeps
10. Oh yes ... no Mozzies !

[ballaratdragons]

Accommodation. But I think you just covered that with number 9.

[gaa_ian]

11. A H-alpha solar observatory with the top of the line Coronado scope. (for daytime non-sleeping hrs)
12. A resident Masseur & Massuese to ease the aching muscles from endless hrs of observing
I'm sure there is more ....... :nerd:

[ballaratdragons]

A 5 acre Radio telescope! Some people are into Radio astronomy. I was until Ballarat Society pulled theirs down.

[gaa_ian]

Thats #13 Ken, keep them coming !
Once we have the Spec's, all I need is the money & we can build it :thumbsup:
Well maybe in our heads anyhow ..... :lol:
Seriously though, there is an Astronomy Estate in the US, I remember reading about it in one of the Astro Mags :)
Somewhere in the rockies I think !

[ballaratdragons]

14. A fully equipped workshop for Scope & Mount repairs, alterations, and additions or to just tinker during the day. Tools, Lathes, MIG welders etc, etc.

I thought you were funding this Ian?

[gaa_ian]

Hmmm ... funding, lets see ... some well placed add's for astronomy obsessed venture capitalists.
I'm sure it can be done :P

[ballaratdragons]

How much you expecting to spend on the venture Ian? $500,000? $750,000?

If you were serious enough about it there are always grants for new ventures like this. Especially if it is science based.

[gaa_ian]

Good starting figure Ken !

[ballaratdragons]

Hyperthetically speaking, If you did do something like this where would you invisage doing it (besides in your head)?

[acropolite]

No forestry activity within 500km and a total ban on forestry burnoffs. Add to this no local councils, all decisions to be made by online voting polls. No privately owned monopolies and all utilities owned and run by the community.

[Starkler]

A resident staff of light tresspass enforcement officers equipped with night vision goggles and a variety of firearms ;)

[ballaratdragons]

with Flash Supressors!



Sorry about the name in the quote Geoff. I couldn't resist after remembering your name tag at Camp :lol:

[gaa_ian]

Hmm ... where to put it :confuse3:
Lets see.. have to get out of the Jet stream
That rules out most of southern Aust :sad: (Sorry southerners)
That leaves FNQ, NT topend, or NW WA. :confuse3:
Can't get to close to the Monsoon weather !
Somewher in the Northern portions of the Tamami or Great sandy Deserts would be good I recon ;)

[Starkler]

That gives me an idea for an avitar....umm nevermind :lol:

[ballaratdragons]

:rofl:


How about your back yard Ian? :confuse3:

[gaa_ian]

OK ... Obviously you had to be there :confuse3:
Sounds like starcamp was a load of fun :lol:

[gaa_ian]

OK Ken ... I well let you know how negotiations go with the traditional owners !
My backyard is NE Arnhem Land :scared:

[ballaratdragons]

Yep! Had to be there!! :lol:

[avandonk]

While we are all dreaming.I want one of these to get above the trees and houses.This is near Chicago.The fiberglass dome is Aussie made.

Bert

[ballaratdragons]

LOL! Looks like a cactus with a hat on!

[gaa_ian]

If you dont have a hill ... just make one !

[astroron]

That dome is made here in Queensland by a friend of mine, he also has just put three on Mt Stromlo

[[1ponders]]

#23 multiple unlimited broadband access so we can pass our images and avies back to those IceInSpacers who are unable to make any particular trip. Oh and to gloat about the perfect weather

[avandonk]

I looked at his site some time ago.His domes look to be well made.I dont know what attitude the local council has, or the neighbors to white domes overlooking their properties.A shed with a roll off roof would be less of a hassle to get permits for.

Bert

[ballaratdragons]

24. Free plane trips for any member wanting to get to/get home from the site!

[[1ponders]]

Why not our own Jet on site Ken so everyone can fly to where ever the next due eclipse or transit is being seen from.

[astroron]

I think Cloudcraft New Mexico is the Astronomical place you where thinking of.
The Flinders Rangers are the best place for observing in Australia, according to an ex proffessional Astronomer friend
who tells me that it missed out on being the site of the AAT only because the year that the tests where done to find a site for the AAT the seeing was not as good as normal, so Coonabarbran won out. ;) :thumbsup:

[gaa_ian]

Your probably close to the mark there Ron !
High, Dry & Cool !
I have seen a few Astronomy resorts advertised there too !

[astroron]

If I win the Lotto thats where I am going, and I will take one of those Astrodomes with me to put my 1 metre scope in, :prey: :prey: :prey: :prey2: :prey2: :astron: :astron: :jump2: :jump2: :cool: :cool: