THE DOME IS HOME

The dome is in place and the structure is sealed up and ready for winter.

IN PLACE

The dome is an inch from being in place. We removed the 2x4 slide and nudged it into place.

LIKE BUILDING A PYRAMID

Once again my nephew Harley lends a valuable hand. We slid the 250 lb + dome up an improvised ramp then muscled it onto the tank structure.

INSIDE THE DOME SUPPORT TUBE

Liana has framed the inside of the tank and constructed an isolation tube around the telescope pier.
This also acts as a support for the second floor. She constructed a series of three trap doors that when closed provides a 360 degree access to the scope.

WARM ROOM FRAMING

Warm room floor has been poured and the wall's and roof framed . This is an unique structure , so we opted for a heptagon shaped room.

Setting The Base

With help from Sam and his loader we set the 14 ft base on it's concrete footer. This Beast of a machine was the only way to handle the 3800 lb metal tube. The dome will rest on the top with a warm room attached to the side at the upper level.

Doorway To The Stars

I used this shutter design to insure a good seal. We live in an area with intense seasonal winds and the dust that comes with it. I believe a system like this will give the best protection against the elements .