The hatch is for access to that part of the dome.
The slot extends past the vertical to allow the scopes to point straight up.
I figured because the dome is already 2m off the ground at the base it was safer to come at the top runners from the inside, especially if I had to do some major work like removing them.
Having said that, if I made another one I wouldn't put the hatch in.
Neville
LSO
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