Astronomy Lab's 6 inch Meade telescopes and stands. New, permanent stands
are being built on the roof to empty this dome of clutter.
This describes the efforts of
Jim Johnson
and Scott Payson
to outfit the telescopes on the
roof of the physics building with CCD cameras. The cameras have been
built using the directions supplied with the "CCD Camera Cookbook"
and kits from University Optics. The cameras are completed and operational
and images have been taken which show that it is possible to obtain
good images of deep-space objects from Detroit by subtracting the light
pollution.
The Celestron 8 inch Schmidt-Cassegrain, which dates from the 1970's, has been cleaned and lubricated and worn bearings have been replaced to cure tracking problems. In addition, digital setting circles have been added as well as a motor drive for the focus adjustment. The telescope has been remounted and we are waiting for clear weather to align and test the telescope.
The other telescope
is a 12.5 inch home-made Newtonian and was in even worse shape.
We have cleaned the optics and are replacing the tube weights with
a more stable system. This dome has been used as storage for the
Astronomy Lab's 6 inch Meade telescopes and stands. New, permanent stands
are being built on the roof to empty this dome of clutter.
Wires are now being pulled for an ethernet connection to the domes allowing easier downloading of pictures and new computers (486 and a Pentium) are being placed in each dome to interface with the CCD cameras and the digital setting circles.
