12-inch Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain

During March 1995, it was suggested Skyscrapers spend purchase a Meade 10” LX200 computerized Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope with a dew shield to install in the south end of the roll-off roof observatory. No action was taken at the meeting, but at the next executive board meeting, it was suggested that the observatory purchase the 12-inch model instead. Though that instrument would cost just over $1200 more, a long-time member would make a $500 donation towards that acquisition. Meeting attendees also contributed $500, and another $425 was later donated by other members.

Therefore, individual members bridged the gap in price, and at the April meeting the upgrade was approved and the 44% more light gathering ability instrument was ordered at no additional cost to the society. Member Graham Patterson donated a custom made equatorial wedge for this instrument. Modifications had to be made for a pier and a new floor to accommodate the 12” Meade in the south end of the double roll-off roof observatory.

The scope arrived in time for May’s monthly meeting. The concrete pier was poured during June and the new floor was installed in July. The carpet was laid on August 10 and the scope was installed on August 19. By September 1, 1995, the 12-inch Meade was fully operational.