Observatory in Goulburn

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Private observatory in the area of Goulburn

We delivered this observatory in the area of Goulburn; and it due to be installed in the future. We supplied:
  • Steel Pier
  • Telescope mount
  • Computer
  • Optical Tube
  • Camera
  • Filters 
  • Accessories
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This observatory is still under construction and we are at the stage of modify the pier to being able to lower the telescope height.

Designed by Testar following the strict specification of 10Micron, our piers provide a solid base for mounts. Made from structural steel, hot dip galvanized for a long lasting corrosion protection and painted, this pier is designed to last. The base and the top steel plate have a thickness of 25mm, the tube is 9.3mm thick while the vertical reinforcements increase the frequency of resonance. In telescopes, low frequencies of resonance due to wind or motor tracking must be avoided.  

10 Micron is leader in manufacturing precise telescope mounts. The success of their products is due to their astonishing experience in precision mechanics since 1960 and the use of absolute encoders that deliver a superior tracking capability. In most cases, 10Micron mounts do not require to be guided making their mounts ideal for astrophotography. The GM3000 has a payload capacity of 100kg.

OPTICAL TUBE: PlaneWave CDK 17" f/6.8  
The Corrected Dall-Kirkham is an optical design that offers a large corrected field of view with a focal ratio of f/6.8. PlaneWave mastered this optical design that is installed in a solid tube made with CNC machined aluminium plates and carbon fibre truss tubes, delivering a marvel of optics and engineering. The tube is equipped with cooling fans to thermally acclimatise the primary mirror, and dew heaters for both mirrors.

It installs the Sony IMX455 back illuminated full frame sensor that currently is among the most advanced sensors for astronomical imaging. With a QE above 90% and true 16-bit A/D, translating to a dynamic range of 14 stops. The pixels have a size of 3.76 µm and a resolution of 61 Megapixels. 

Telescope filters with a high quality are essential components of an optical train. Chroma is among the best producers of astronomical filters minimising the halos around bright stars and delivering a narrow band transmission of only 3nm. 

COMPUTER: Prima Luce Lab Eagle  
Embodied in a solid aluminium case, the Eagle combines a powerful computer with a handy power distribution system. Being compact and sturdy, it can connect directly on a telescope, drastically reducing the amount of cables hanging from the telescope. 

The main challenge for this observatory is having a reduced space inside the dome if compared to the large size of the telescope to be install. The dome has one of its motors hanging from the top which makes the design challenging and requires the pier to be lowered down. Also, the concrete under the pier has not been placed correctly for the offset of the telescope, forcing the optical to remain above 35° and avoid the collision with the handle of the hatch.