Upgrading the 30-inch Telescope at Linden Observatory
Presenter(s): Rob Horvat
Affiliation(s): Western Sydney Amateur Astronomy Group (WSAAG)
Session details: Sunday, 2016-03-27 00:30:00, LT106
Abstract
In 2012, the 30-inch telescope at the Linden Observatory was essentially idle and, literally, collecting dust. Famed supernova hunter and Linden Trustee, Bob Evans, remarked: “the 30-inch telescope needs somebody to love it and to use it”. WSAAG had the expertise and the manpower. In any case, we have had a long-standing, productive relationship with the Linden Trust and Bob was confident that we could look after the telescope. So, WSAAG became caretakers of the telescope. The 30-inch would require a lot of attention to make it practical and safe to use.
Essentially, it had been just manually operated and a visual observer’s tool. Our goal was to turn it into a goto/tracking telescope for visual use and one that was also capable of producing reliable video for events such as occultations. As a manually-operated big Dobsonian, it was never intended to be an imaging scope. After 18 years or so, the 30-inch primary mirror was also in dire need of a re-coat and the secondary mirror was in poor condition. Re-coating of the primary and replacement of the secondary would bring the scope closer to its full potential.
This is the story of the upgrade of the 30-inch telescope, the problems presented, the compromises and the solutions and how WSAAG members, with the support of the Linden Trust, have made this into one of the best telescopes around for use by amateur (or professional) astronomers.
Biography
Rob Horvat was brought up in the Sutherland Shire but has lived in the lower Blue Mountains since 1976. An ex-high school Maths and Computing Studies teacher, he taught in the Penrith area. Rob came back into astronomy in 2005 and became more involved after he retired. He is particularly interested in the education side of things. Rob is currently President of WSAAG (Western Sydney Amateur Astronomy Group). His website is https://sites.google.com/site/southernastronomer/. Several other of his documents can be found on the www.wsaag.org website under Resources.