Latest Sage Observatory Updates

It's been a while since the last sage update, but here's where we stand now:

• The observatory structure itself is 99% complete


• There are now several devices monitoring and archiving environmental data


• The dome rotates properly and is controlled via computer


• The shutter has been rebuilt and the open/close mechanics are close to done


• There are several webcams up and accessible via the website


• The SAGE website itself is now hosted on a more modern and reliable computer


• The scope fork is mounted on proper bearing supports in the building

Here's some highlights of the above...

The roof from outside:

Showing the old shutter installed as well

The roof and mechanism from inside:

There are three of these semi-floating support columns mounted along the walls in a roughly equilateral arrangement. Each column has an identical(ish) drive motor and gear reducer on the end with power supplied to all columns simultaneously. The metal hoop was rolled for us in three sections and then welded together on site.

The Sage Website & on-site data gathering

The new sage website has a more modern layout and style. There is also an 'at a glance' summary of local conditions on the left column. The updated site still shows the original webcam, but also includes the user controllable 'obs-cam'. Along with the new webcams there is also a device for measuring cloud cover which has it's reading posted to the site. This new sensor also allows us to take another outside temp reading, in addition to the data gathered by the weather station. The last new sensor is a third webcam inside the observatory. This camera is NOT accessible via the web for now, but may be put on the site in the future.

That's it for now, but we'll keep updates coming more frequently...