New Horizons
Project Goals
Our Community Access Programme will be extended and enhanced by:
- The provision of a publicly accessible research grade astronomical observatory.
When we bought and installed our original telescope in 1993 the choice was limited outside the ranks of professional astronomers. In the past decade the range and quality of telescopes on the market has grown dramatically. We have carried out extensive research and determined that the instrument which replaces the existing telescope must represent a serious investment in the future of our observatory.
- Offering visitors hands on participation.
A key feature in making the selection is the ability to offer our visitors the chance to actively participate in the observing event rather than being passive spectators which has to date been the case. The selected instrument must therefore provide a “go to” computer control facility and reliable motor drive to allow astronomical objects to be observed for extended periods.
- Increasing the numbers of visitors from school and youth groups.
School and youth groups have always formed a substantial proportion of visitors to our Community Access Programme events. In order to maintain and increase interest from within these groups we wish to offer our services to them free of charge for a period of at least 3 years, subject to suitable funding being secured to meet insurance and operational costs.
We also aim to develop support activities and materials for those youth groups which have an astronomy “badge” qualification.
- Providing access for the disabled and infirm.
The telescope is situated on the first floor of the Observatory; with our current telescope it is necessary for the observer to climb several meters on step ladders in order to reach the eyepiece. These issues combine to exclude those with some physical disability, infirmity or less confidence.
This project will address these issues and open access to those excluded by selecting an instrument which is so designed as to eliminate the need to climb step ladders and allow observing from floor level. For those who cannot reach the first floor the use of remote electronic imaging will allow them to participate from the ground floor.
- Providing a safer observing environment for all.
Added benefits of the project are that the physical effort required to operate the observatory is very much reduced and all users of the instrument, of whatever physical ability, will benefit from removing the need to climb step ladders to the eyepiece.
- Increasing the number of members able to support the programme.
The current telescope is difficult to operate and lack of a motor drive makes its use a skilled and time consuming operation which requires several years experience to master. This excludes many members from supporting our Community Access Programme.
By providing a user friendly instrument in a safe environment the use will be widened to more members, this in turn will increase the numbers available to support our Community Access Programme.
