Opening the Observatory
These pages are intended as a guide for those who have already been trained on the telescopes, they are not a substitute for physical training on the telescopes.
The specifics of these directions are for general (Open House) use. If you are just using the observatory for recreational purposes you may or may not want to use the lobby display monitor or the computers.
- You must fill in the telescope log book which is kept on the shelves in the lobby area.
- Turn on the monitor in the lobby. (optional)
- Get computers for the 14" and 20" out of the closet. (optional)
- Open the roofs. The observatory key opens both bay roofs. DO NOT count on the limit switches to work! Be prepared to let go of the key when the roofs are just clear of the wall.
- The lobby and the bays have both white and red lights. When the white lights are no longer needed, they should be turned off. The white lights in the bays can be turned off by the pull chain on the light fixture (the switch on the wall controls the entire fixture). The white lights in the lobby are simply controlled by the light switches by the door.
Closing the Observatory
- Be sure to turn off all telescope drives!
- Put all lens covers back on. Don't forget about the finder scopes.
- Put the telescopes back in their horizontal home positions. The telescopes will be damaged if they are not in their home positions when the roofs are closed.
- Close the bay roofs.
- Turn off the monitor in the lobby.
- Put computers back in the closet 1104 and be sure closet is locked.
- Fill in the log book. Be sure to note any problems in the log and also report them to Elizabeth Warner (you can leave me a voice mail message at (301) 405-6555 if I'm not around)!
- Turn out all lights. Never turn off the red light outside the door - it needs to stay on at all times.
Before leaving, double check that all telescope drives are off!
When you leave, be sure you have bolted the observatory and lecture hall doors and locked the gate behind you.
Each telescope has its own page to describe how to operate it. Please note, however, that reading these instructions does not mean that you are qualified to operate these instruments! For training, try to come on a Docent Night or email Elizabeth or call x56555.
Last Updated: Wednesday April 23, 2008 by Elizabeth Warner
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