Apache Point Observatory -- Shown below is the 18' Dome Structure for New Mexico State University's 1 Meter Telescope.   Elevation is 9,150 ft.
     This observatory design will serve as a model for our new observatoryRitchey-Chretien Telescope, which will be located in Stars End, Mayhill, NM.   
We are currently building a 24" f8 Ritchey-Chretien telescope for this new observatory.  

Apache-Point-18ft-Dome3

The panorama photo below shows the location of our new observatory at Stars End, near Mayhill, NM.     Concept CAD drawing of elevated observatory design.
MayHill-Stars-End

The following photos show the new observatory close to completion at Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA.    The dome is made by ASH-Dome and is 18' in diameter.

Outside view of observatory building.

Carol standing by the entry stairs, and 3' x 5' Pier Cap for a fork mount.
Dome-Westmont-College Dome-Entry-Stairs

Offset 3' x 5' Pier Cap (12" thickness)

View of 3' x 3' hollow Pier -- Dome Floor Structure.  1/2" spcacing to Pier.
Dome-3x5-Pier-Cap
Dome-3x3-Pier

Carol standing beside Computer Bench, opposite Pier.

Lower Shutter, with central track for lifting Upper Shutter.
Dome-Computer-Bench

Upper Shutter showing drive motor.  Notice manual drive loop.
Dome-Upper-Shutter
Dome-Lower-Shutter

RA Drive Motor, with RA track.

Reference dimension of RA support structure.  Notice rubber gasket.
Dome-RA-Track-Dimension
Dome-RA-Drive-Motor

Mike sitting on computer bench near Hydraulic Shutter Motor Contoller.

RA Track and one of 28 steel rollers that support the dome.
Dome-Shutter-Hydraulics
Dome-Support-Rollers

Power connection to dome electrical sliders.

Circular support rings for dome sections.
Dome-RA-Power-Tracks Dome-Circular-Support-Rings

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

Content and Writings Copyright Mike Sherick 2004-2010 Updated 3-7-10