Astronomy Centre
The Astronomy Centre was formed in 1983 by Peter Drew. It is located high in the Penine hills on the A681 between Bacup in Lancashire and Todmorden in Yorkshire. The official web page gives details of the aims and history of the centre. This page is intended to give a user's perspective on the centre since I joined as a founder member back in February 1983 (membership number 226). My Comet Hale-Bopp photographs were taken from the centre's observing site on the slight rise directly behind the main observatory.
The following two panaramic images provide views of the centre from different vantage points. They also show typical weather conditions (cold and wet, warm and dry).
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The main aim of the centre is to provide an observatory that will house the largest telescope available to amateur astronomers. The telescope will have an aperture of 1 metre at the minimum and will be available for use by members only. The following image sequence shows the stages in the construction of the main observatory, from its initial humble beginnings as a muddy hole in the ground to today's (April 2000) completed building and dome.
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A major milestone was passed on Tuesday 28th March 2000 when the dome was finally lifted into place on top of the observatory building. The crane operators would only attempt to lift the dome if the wind speed remained lower than 15 mph. On the day the weather was cold (as usual) with occasional rain and sleet flurries. Luckily the wind speed dropped for a time and so the lift could take place. The lift proceeded flawlesly and the dome fitted perfectly. All we need now is a big telescope to go inside it.
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The main observatory instrument will be of at least 1 metre (40 inch) aperture. This instrument will be constructed when the main observatory is complete. The following images illustrate some aspects of its mechanical arrangement. The first image shows a model of how the complete instrument will look. The remaining images show the construction of parts of the telescope tube. It is interesting to note the scale of the telescope by comparing the central tube section against the figures of my father and brother (circa mid-1980's !).
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As well as the main observatory and telescope, other instruments are currently available or are planned. These include:
0.75 metre (30 inch) reflecting telescope.
This instrument was one of the first to be available at the centre. Over the years it has had rather a harsh life and has battled against the northern moorland climate. A lot has been learnt from this instrument especially regarding portable observatories. This pictures below show its first incarnation where the observatory roof rolled back on rails to allow the telescope to be used. Peter Drew is shown in the first picture. This design proved to be flawed as winter gales were able to demolish it with frequent ease. The latest design features a much more compact fixed observatory (or more correctly a shelter). Here, the telescope is rolled out of the shelter on rails and then footpads are lowered from the telescope base to raise it off the rails. The telescope itself has been improved and now utilises a much more compact construction.
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Displayed at the October 25th 1997 Star Party, was a recently completed horizontally mounted 5 inch refracting telescope. The main advantage associated with mounting telescope horizontally that it avoids swinging a long telescope tube around the sky. A moveable mirror, the siderostat, is mounted equatorially in front of the telescope aperture. This directs the beam of the telescope to any desired position in the sky.
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Adequately supporting large binoculars is not an easy task. Over the years Peter Drew has built a number of variations. This sturdy pillar mounting has been constructed in order to hold a superb 80mm binocular telescope. My most memorable views of Comet Hale-Bopp were provided by this instrument.
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As well as the normal instruments described above, a camera obscura and planetarium have been constructed. The camera obscura consists of vertical refracting telescope that pokes out of the roof of the building. A flat mirror allows the telescope to scan the horizon. The instrument provides an stunningly detailed image of the surrounding countryside on a table within the building.
| Camera Obscura Building | Planetarium Building | |
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One of the main aims of the Astronomy Centre is to provide a focal point for amateur astronomers. Two Star Parties per year are organised where members can socialize and hear talks given on astronomical themes. Additional informal evening sessions allow members to give talks and show slides, followed by observing if conditions allow. During the early days, the whole of each Star Party was held at the centre. A large marquee provided protection from the weather. Later Parties have had the daytime sessions scheduled at Calder College in Todmorden town centre, with the evening sessions moving back to the Astronomy Centre itself.
Some images from the meetings are shown below with many more on the meetings page.
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