www.astrotasmania.com - The "OctaDome"

November '08, Anssen Technologies (Australia) Alhena mount and main scopes installed to test stability, viewing height and operation of the raise lower centre section. Shown here without any equipment or cameras.

Construction Images

Southern Cross Observatory

The "OctaDome" came about because of the need to enclose the Alhena GEM mount with itsvarious telescopes, a Takahashi Astrograph Epsilon 180ED f/2.8., Takahashi Mewlon 210 Dall-Kirkham F/11.5. and two William Optics refractors, 90 APO and ZS66 Petzval.

The OctaDome is an original Mathers design, the aim being to have access to either the whole sky for fisheye wide field photography and narrow field with the various telescopes.

In operation, the petals can be opened individually as required to limit effects of wind and provide observer comfort. In normal use three petals are normally open. For solar work it is restricted to the minimum number.

To observe to the horizon, the centre section of the pier can be raised another 450mm from base position. This is achieved via an electric car jack located at the base of the main pier. See link to Construction Images.

Dome & Pier Construction Images