Deep Springs Observatory

Links

• Brian Hill home page
• Astronomical light pollution map centered on Deep Springs
• ClearDarkSky astronomical forecast for Deep Springs Observatory
• Astrospheric astronomical forecast for Deep Springs Observatory

Dome

Excavation for a foundation is underway and the observatory is expected to be at least partially operable in May of 2021:

The foundation will secure and support an Aphelion 7 ft clamshell dome purchased used from Antelope Hills Observatory in Bennett, Colorado.

Faculty and students in October, 2020 moving the dome to where it is presently stored awaiting a helicopter lift to the ridge:

Primary Instrument

The dome will protect the Natural Science Chair’s CFF 250mm f/8 Ritchey-Chrétien reflector:

The CFF RC250 is shouldered by a Software Bisque Paramount MYT:

Portable Instrument

Students will gain experience using a Stellarvue SVA130T f/7 triplet apochromat refractor:

The SVA130T is the predecessor of the Stellarvue SVX130T. For scientific and astrophotography uses, the SVA130T is paired with a Stellarvue SFFRR.72 Reducer/Flattener, resulting in an f/5 effective focal ratio.

The SVA130T rides on a Losmandy GM811G:

A Losmandy HD tripod supports the GM811G, and the scope, mount, and tripod are portable enough to be taken to exceptional nearby sites such as the White Mountain Research Center Barcroft Station.

Power

Field power for the telescopes and their associated electronics is provided by a Jackery Explorer 1000.