• From 2018 to 2020 I built a redwood deck which provided a level foundation for the observatory walls.

     

  • The frame consists of 2x8 pressure-treated douglas fir, and the top deck boards are 2x6 redwood. The surface was finished with a coating of Brazilian rosewood oil.

     

  • To provide a stable platform for the telescope mount, we needed to construct a reinforced concrete pier. The first step was to remove a few deck boards and dig a hole in the ground.

     

  • Then we placed a cylindrical form in the hole and filled it up with concrete, reinforced with a few lengths of rebar. Easier said than done, but thankfully as you see, I had a little helper.

     

  • With the pier in place, the observatory could be assembled around it. Motors were added to allow automation of dome rotation and shutter open/close.

     

  • Representing the disciplines of astronomy and engineering - the observatory's two permanent residents are visible here in the rightmost image - Carl Sagan, and Montgomery Scott, overseeing operations.

     

  • Here you can see the observatory's first telescope - the 11" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA), sitting on top of a Celestron CGX-L mount, which in turn is bolted to the concrete pier.

     

  • A dehumidifier was installed to prevent any interior condensation. Initially all of the dome systems were controlled via a laptop computer, but I have since switched to using a more compact mini-PC.

     

  • One the left side you can see the pier and the back end of the RASA optical tube. Data and power cables are routed from the RASA down to the pier via an umbilical, which allows the telescope to move about freely without snagging any of the cables.

     

  • The first images from the observatory were captured and processed in 2023 - The Whirlpool and Pinwheel galaxies.

     

  • The RASA is fully outfitted in this image, with the guide-scope riding piggyback on top. The little red cylinder at the back of the guide-scope is the guide camera.

     

  • The RASA configuration looks a little odd compared to other telescopes, in that the camera is mounted on the front. Pictured here is the QHY600C astronomical camera mounted inside a photon cage that allows for tilt adjustment.

     

As far back as I can remember, I've been captivated by science and astronomy. You would think that the curious nature of our existence within the vast expanses of space and time would be beyond our grasp - impossible for us to realize, much less comprehend. Yet, with ingenuity and courageous spirit, our species has been able to figure out the gist of the story. We can understand the nature of things, how planetary systems form, how life evolves - we can see ourselves with a cosmic perspective.

I feel fortunate to have been born in a time of such extraordinary enlightenment, and privileged to have connected with so many beautiful and curious souls over the years. My involvement with science and astronomy helped shape the course of my life, and provided me with a sense of purpose. I hope the observatory will provide more opportunity for us to connect as a community of the curious, to share in the joy of discovery as we explore the heavens together. With that in mind, please check out my ideas for future projects when you get a chance. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas.

My Origin Story