Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
Building ASIGN Observatory II
Overview
ASIGN observatory II is a private observatory in Canberra, Australia. It is a non-profit, FREE information resource for anyone in the world with an interest in learning about, observing or imaging the amazing universe through readily available, consumer-grade imaging equipment.
This website will document and share DIY astronomy projects including construction of the observatory itself, as well as magnificent photographs of deep space objects captured through it's robotic telescopes.
The aim is to make the observatory available to visitors to teach about the universe and train how to use telescopes and imaging equipment.
Equipment: Skywatcher black diamond ED120mm apochromatic refractor, Skywatcher gold pro ED80mm apochromatic refractor, Skywatcher EQ6 pro German equatorial mount, Orion Starshoot Pro III Deep space OS colour CCD imaging camera, Orion Starshoot autoguiding camera, Canon EOS 5DMKII DSLR, DBK21AU618.AS planetary camera.
ASIGN's mission
"I have seen people's lives change after they have, "seen" for themselves, the astounding things in space through a telescope. Knowing about the planets and stars academically is one thing, but so see it for yourself changes something. All of a sudden your perspective changes and your problems aren't quite so large. Hope fills your soul and you start asking bigger questions. This first-hand experience and knowledge must be shared with everyone." - Barry Armstead, Founder ASIGN Observatory II
Media
So far, ASIGN Observatory has featured in Manspace Magazine, The Canberra Times and live interview on Melbourne Radio SEN, (Part 1 and part 2 sound files).
A television special is also in the wind so stay tuned!
Photo credit: Melissa Adams - The Canberra Times
Can you help?
ASIGN Observatory II is looking for 50 square metres of nice carpet. Please contact ASIGN II if you have a reasonable quality carpet. Alternatively, if you would like to donate, please click the make a donation button down the page via secure PayPal.
If you would like to help fund this project, all proceeds will go directly to the observatory to keep it totally FREE and up-to-date for all those people yet to have their eyes opened by the wonders of creation out there. Donations through secure Paypal button below. *If you do not wish to use PayPal, please contact me for a bank account to deposit into instead.
Thanks and blessings to our wonderful sponsors and contributors so far!
Your donations, physical labour, skills and assistance have helped tremendously to build this project. You are all a part of this fantastic community outreach.
Once the observatory is complete, ASIGN II will have a big opening night, followed by many astronomy nights including laser tours of the stars and look-through the telescopes. On cloudy nights I will hold Q&A astro-discussion and education in the dome, socialise, astronomy doco's and coffee. (yes there will be a coffee point in there.)
Stay tuned for dates!
Left: The work so far has the dome fully covered and the imaging equipment installed, ready to capture those precious faint photons that have travelled so far!
TP of Brisbane, Australia - Engineering
AG of Canberra, Australia - Concreting
JA of Canberra, Australia - Welding
Sven of Canberra, Australia - All kinds of help
Terry of Canberra, Australia - Steel freighting
JS of Canberra, Australia - Labour
PM of Canberra, Australia - Backhoe & Labour
PK of Brisbane, Australia - Donation
SM of Hobart, Tasmania - Donation
SC of Canberra, Australia - Donation
LT of Canberra, Australia - Donation
TL of Canberra, Australia - Donation
DG of Launceston, Tasmania - Donation
BR of Wyoming, USA - Donation
SK of Broadford, Australia - Donation
KA of Canberra, Australia - Donation
TW of Canberra, Australia - Donation
DF of England - Donation
RP of Canberra, Australia - Donation
VD of Canberra, Australia - Donation
WS of Darwin, Australia - Donation
JL & PL of Canberra, Australia - Donation
GC of Brisbane, Australia - Donation
WK of Canberra, Australia - Donation
LT of Canberra, Australia - Donation of a bar-fridge
AC of Canberra, Australia - Donation of insulation batts
JH of Adelaide, Australia - Donation
CF of Canberra, Australia - Carpet underlay donation
PM of Canberra, Australia - Web banner and logo design
Brians Carpets, Canberra, Australia - Donation of carpet and underlay
The Sun now
