Some of the first pictures taken - Sept. 29, 2002

Click small images for large view.

The first two images are a composite of three images taken with red, green, and blue filters.  The M27 exposures were 40 seconds each and the M13 exposures were 20 seconds each.

M27: the dumbbell nebula M13: Great Globular Cluster earth's moon

M27, the Dumbbell Nebula:  M27 is a planetary nebula 815 light years from earth.  Planetary nebulae are caused by dying stars that blow off part of their atmosphere. The colors are created by emission from the gas that has been excited by the radiation from the central star.

 M13, the Great Globular Cluster in Hercules.  M13 is star system of about 400,000 stars and is 140 light years in diameter.  It is located 23,400 light years from earth.  Globular clusters are important in astronomy for understanding stellar evolution.  Since all of the stars are approximately the same distance their relative brightness is a measure of their absolute luminosity.   It was discovered by Edmond Halley (of comet fame) in 1714.

Earth's Moon.

The moon was shot
through a blue filter at 1/1000 sec exposure.

First Adult Class

first class of adults to take the astronomy class
First Adult Group "Graduates" from the D97 Astronomy Class
working during the class with papers
Class work includes more than sky watching.
taking the astronomy exam
Serious students taking the final exam.

 

Building and Installing the Observatory

Preparing the space testing the telescope controls ccd, focuser
Preparation Testing the Telescope Controls CCD, Focuser
telescope mount testing dome mount securing telescope - outside of mount
Telescope Mount Testing Dome Mount Securing Telescope to Mount
outside view of bolting mount to platform closeview bolting mount to platform
Bolting Mount to Platform