Hodgson Observatory

Our very popular model “Solar System-on-a-Fence” exhibit will return to our 610-foot south fence again this year. Plaques describing the planets, dwarf planets, and selected other objects, from the Sun to Sedna, will be rehung on the fence at their scale distances before the April 17 SEAC New Moon Saturday gathering. By that date most freeze-thaw cycles should be past. New discoveries require some plaques to be updated. Plan to hike the fence walk again in 2010 when you come. — RGH (i.e., Dick Hodgson)

Last Fall we experienced repeated aiming and tracking problems with the Argo Navis / ServoCAT drive on our big telescope. It needed a firmer mounting. The floor mats and plywood floorboards were removed. Floor cracks were sealed. Then a bitterly cold and snowy winter struck, stopping work. Work will resume when the snow melts. The scope will be lowered 22-inches onto firm concrete blocks. Then performance should be better than ever! — RGH

Our Main Observatory needs repainting. It received two coats of the best white latex paint when built in 2003, but has taken a beating from ice and freezing rain these past two winters. I plan to repaint the building and rails this spring when we have dry weather that is between 50 and 80 degrees F. I’ll do the work weekdays (so as not to conflict with Astro-Lodge work). If anyone wishes to help and is free, contact me please. — RGH

In February I purchased a 1.25-inch diameter 20mm focal length eyepiece for use in our Wide-Sky Observatory with the 8-inch Newtonian reflector. It is nearly parfocal with a 40mm ocular of similar design I have been using when observing the Sun. Thus I can now swiftly change from one to the other without much refocusing and loss of time. Used with the “Shorty Plus” 2x Barlow, the new eyepiece gives me 100x, excellent for showing sunspot details. It is a great addition! — RGH