| HOWARD |
A MULTIVERSE OF POSSIBILITIES |
|
ASTRONOMICAL |
Alpha Ridge
|
| LEAGUE |
Piney Mtn, PA
|
|
|
|
|
Astronomical ObservatoryObservatory Chair - Joel Goodman (Contact info at bottom of "About Us" page) Latest Observatory Status Update: March 2008: A major Columbia Maryland-based architectual and engineering firm has agreed to contribute their services to the project by performing the design and blueprint work for the HAL Observatory. This is a major milestone and significant contribution to the project. Click here for past report archives HAL Observatory Corporate Sponsors StructureAs detailed in its organizational history, HAL was founded in part to establish an observatory for the antique telescope. The structure design is 15 foot diameter dome on a square, 18x18 foot structure, 8 feet tall. Subsequent to the completion of the observatory, an adjoining rectangular roll-off roof structure will likely be added. Inside the observatory will be an observing platform, an independent concrete pier for the telescope, and of course, the antique telescope itself. Although the antique telescope was originally housed under a 12 foot diameter dome, HAL's larger dome and large 18x18 supporting structure will provide the observatory with plenty of additional space around the telescope, in order to allow the building to facilitate larger groups of people. In addition, the structure will include two entrances/exits, which will help facilitate the smooth flow of visitors through the building. PurposeThe observatory will be the centerpiece for supporting HAL's public outreach programs. These programs provide the community with direct, hands-on astronomical experiences. We believe these experiences are crucial in helping people to enjoy and appreciate one of our most valuable natural public resources - our beautiful night sky. Direct astronomical experiences are also crucial for inspiring people of all ages to learn more about space and astronomical science. HAL's programs are the perfect hands-on complement to the scientific theories and concepts being taught in our public schools. Seeing the glowing remains of a dying star in person, through a telescope, helps bring astronomy textbook subjects to life.In 2006, HAL provided 10 public outreach events at Alpha Ridge park and 3 outreach events at local libraries. Most outreach events have 40 - 50 visitors. All equipment needed to support these events, including telescopes, is brought by HAL members; but as public attendance to these events have increased, so have the logistical challenges. The observatory will therefore provide one large permanently-mounted telescope, as well as storage space for support equipment. One of the structure's four walls will be used as a projection screen, for educational presentations to the public as well as for projecting live video images captured by the observatory's telescope. Public outreach events will also be supplemented with several additional telescopes brought by HAL members. Additionally, the observatory will be the anchor for HAL's primary observing site, thus providing HAL members with access to highly robust, permanently-mounted telescope. Observatory Drawings
|
This dome would cost about $17,000 new, and HAL was quite fortunate to find one on the secondhand market because domes of this size rarely become available. HAL was doubly fortunate to find one for the below market-value price of $7,000. With transport, the total cost to HAL was about $7,500.
Click photos once for larger image and again, if desired, for full size
image.
Use browser's back button to return here.
%20i.jpg)
%20i.jpg)
%20i.jpg)
%20i.jpg)
