We’re coming up on the end of 2015.  I had high hopes of getting more finished this year but all things considered, things are moving along.  It shouldn’t be too long and our new garage with workshop will be finished which will allow me to layout imaging systems somewhere other than in our bedrooms….  From there, I hope to get the Exploradome up and running in 2016 with the OGS 10″ RC and U16 acting as the workhorse imaging system.

Digging out a few large stumps

Aerial view of the observatory site. Needs a lot of cleanup.

Testing the OGS 10″ RC

I am starting to pack up Campmeeting Observatory in preparation for a move to Knoxville, TN.  It has only been a short 3 years that Campmeeting Observatory has been in operation but I am sure it will find a new home.  For the time being, updates will be seldom as other priorities will take center stage and extensive observatory site preparation may be required.

Development of our rural countryside is rapidly increasing due to emergent industries like oil and gas.  A single industrial site is often lit up like a little town on the map making one wonder if residential, commercial, or industrial development is the true light pollution problem?

Click on the Images below for an animation comparing Light Pollution levels in 2003 to 2012.

AAAP Greene County Site with Light Pollution growth from 2003 to 2012

Pittsburgh Area Light pollution growth from 2003 to 2012.

Being unemployed gives me a little more time to travel the countryside and give Bill Snyder a hand with his Astrophotography booth at some Art Festivals.  The show ran Dec 13th-Dec 15th, thankfully indoors unlike the last show where we nearly froze to death.  It’s a great opportunity to talk astronomy with the general public and get a snapshot of who is interested in astronomy.

Here are a few pictures of the King of Astrophotography, Bill Snyder.  He forgot to pack his cape and crown 🙂