October 26, 2006      Construction has begun on the J. Milburn Smith Memorial Observatory.  This observatory facility is dedicated in honor of J. Milburn Smith, late husband of Mary Ann Smith.  This observatory is located in the beautiful mountains of New Mexico at 7,200 feet elevation. When completed in early 2007, it will host a 24" f8 RC telescope in a 16.5' elevated dome structure.  The entire observatory will be robotic and will be remotely controlled via the Internet.  Observatory operations are primarily intended for CCD imaging of deep space objects.

View across the valley.  Located on 2.8 acres at 7,200 feet.  Assembled 16.5' ASH dome waiting for completed observatory structure.

Dome assembly begins with dome Base Ring.  Construction of observatory footings and central pier in background.

View looking East showing "Warm Room" structure, with foundation work in foreground.

Dean and Jim placing panel sections that will form the dome structure.  The orange rings are electrical contactors for motor control

Mike at Shutter openning.  All dome panels in place, ready for shutter bracing and Upper/Lower Shutter installation.

Dome assembly completed.  Dome is waiting for the observatory steel structure to be completed, then it will be lifted to its final resting place 27 feet above ground.

 Copyright  Mike Sherick 2004 - 2007                    Last update:  2-28-07

 Copyright  Mike Sherick 2004 - 2007                    Last update:  4-12-07