THE TELESCOPES
Goldendale Observatory State Park houses a custom-made 24.5 inch telescope in the South Dome. The primary and secondary mirrors are composed of low expansion glass. The telescope is carried on a German Equatorial mount and driven with servo motors and controllers.
Attached to the 24.5 inch telescope is a 6 inch refractor telescope. These two instruments have been utilized during every evening observing session since the Observatory was founded.
After over 40 years, the 24 inch telescope was removed from the dome on June 29th, 2016, and completely disassembled. The optical configuration was changed from a Cassegrain to a Newtonian, which is better suited for both visual and photographic use. A complete mechanical refurbishment was done, and reassembly occurred in September of 2016. First light of the updated Newtonian configuration occurred on September 25th, 2016. The updated telescope has improved optical performance, and a beautiful powder-coated finish for a more professional appearance:
Attached to the 24.5 inch telescope is a 6 inch refractor telescope. These two instruments have been utilized during every evening observing session since the Observatory was founded.
After over 40 years, the 24 inch telescope was removed from the dome on June 29th, 2016, and completely disassembled. The optical configuration was changed from a Cassegrain to a Newtonian, which is better suited for both visual and photographic use. A complete mechanical refurbishment was done, and reassembly occurred in September of 2016. First light of the updated Newtonian configuration occurred on September 25th, 2016. The updated telescope has improved optical performance, and a beautiful powder-coated finish for a more professional appearance:
The redesigned pier and base plate allow for more accurate tracking of the telescope. This will enable better viewing and long exposure photography with the improved optics.
Click on image for a larger view.
The updated Newtonian optical configuration allows for better visual use of the telescope, and will offer enhanced capabilities for imaging of star clusters and nebulae. Lunar and planetary detail is also much improved.
Click on image for a larger view.
The updated Newtonian optical configuration allows for better visual use of the telescope, and will offer enhanced capabilities for imaging of star clusters and nebulae. Lunar and planetary detail is also much improved.
Click on image for a larger view.
The upper end of the telescope has a flat rotating bearing assembly to hold the new secondary mirror and focuser, which allows for optimum placement of the eyepiece for viewing.
Click on image for a larger view.
The North Dome is home to a Celestron 14 inch f/11 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope mounted on a Mathis Equatorial Fork with stepper motors and drive. The telescope is used for imaging and live-video display during evening presentations.
Attached to the C14 is a Lunt Solar Systems LS152THa 6 inch "double-stacked" Hydrogen-alpha Solar Telescope; the largest production dedicated H-alpha solar telescope in the world. This instrument is utilized during afternoon presentations for either direct solar viewing or HD video output onto displays and projectors throughout the facility.
For outdoor mobile use on sidewalks and decks during evening presentations, the Observatory also features an Orion 14 inch f/4.6 GoTo Dobsonian and a number of other portable instruments, including astronomical binoculars.