A small but significant advance has been made to Tauranga Astronomical Society's new observatory at Fergusson Park.
The 4sq m observatory roof now slides automatically, replacing the old system of members needing to manually slide it across to allow viewing through the club's telescope.
Club president George Stewart said the improvement was
funded by a $6000 grant from Pub Charity.
A team led by Rob Wakefield from Contract Mechanical Services fitted an electric winch and reversing motor to the roof opening. Fitted to the underside of the 14-inch telescope is a micro switch to prevent the roof closing while the scope faced upwards.
The club's monthly meeting tonight features an address by one of New Zealand's top astro-photographers, John Drummond. His presentation is entitled "Night Moves Around a Colourful Universe" and includes a description of the equipment he uses to create stunningly beautiful photographs.
The meeting, which is open to the public, starts at 7.30pm at the Fergusson Park clubrooms.
