Hodgson Observatory

The SEAC had it’s 2008 star party at the Hodgson Obsevatory this year and had a great time and turn out. We had a very good time with many new visitors this year. Friendship was shared and many great meals and experiencies conversed. Every year our little gatering gets bigger. We were blessed to have a new club house to convene in and have discussions. Coffee and snacks were always available. It was one of the best SDSP’s yet. Here is a link to some of the images from the 2008 SDSP.

Link to SDSP Images: "http://www.inskysd.org//gallery/categories.php?cat_id=68"

Uploaded more pictures of our work day number twelve to our gallery. Click on the gallery link

*Saturday August 16 2008* We once again met for day 11 on the construction of the Astronomy building. We had several projects to get done prior to the SD star party. We wanted to finish the electrical for initial inspection and get the plumbing done for the main bathroom. Also the dirt work from the initial concrete pour left the ground around the building in need of landscaping. We also wanted to get the front of the building in finished shape. Work proceed with three groups of people working on the different projects. At the end of the day all goals were met with a minor exception of a water line that got broken and was leaking. We will repair it next weekend. Another day of great accomplishments. We wrapped up at 4:30 pm as we had a program to put on at Palisades State Park.

At 8:00pm At Palisades State Park we had a turn out of over 145 people for our Constellation tour and viewing through our telescopes. Here is a shot I took of what they got to see of the Moon.

*Wednesday Aug 20 2008* Dick and I put in an extra day of work to get some of the tedious work done with the trim on the building. We also finished shimming in the doors and put in the locks. The building is now secure. We also dug in and leveled the paver’s at the front of the building so it wouldn’t interfere with work on Saturday. We then got to work on trimming the windows and 1/4 round under the sofets. We concluded our work at 4:00pm very satisfied with what we got completed.

* Star Date 8/22/2008 /9:00 am* As Pharaoh of construction I incorporated slave Dick again to assist me in some more tedious work. We finished the trim work on the sofets and south wall trim. We then caulked all windows and doors to fully weather proof the building. We ran out of caulk and proceeded to installing the lighting in the building. This is important to the finishing of the building for the season. After an excellent lunch we wired in and tested the electrical system and lights. A well done day!