Building the Dome
Building the Dome
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The Helix House The Helix House at Battle Point Park contains the Edwin E. Ritchie Observatory and serves as an educational facility operated by the BPAA. When construction started, the building was an empty shell. Today, the building is a two story facility ready for use. Click for a larger version |
Dome on the Helix House Dome on the Helix House, before plywood skin was on. View from back (looking east) side of building. Click for a larger version |
Dome on the Helix House Dome on the Helix House Click for a larger version |
Building the Dome Plywood partially in place. Scaffolding still in place. Click for a larger version |
Dome detail Dome detail, during construction. Concrete pad in center awaits telescope. Click for a larger version |
Building the Dome During construction, assembly of aluminum frame. Click for a larger version |
Dome detail Detail showing how the frame comes together at top of dome. Click for a larger version |
The Grinding Machine The grinding machine, constructed by Ed Ritchie, and used to grind the mirror for the big scope. Click for a larger version |
The Milling Machine In the observatory workshop, the milling machine that was obtained in trade from the University of Arizona. Click for a larger version |
Dome in operation The dome in operation, John Rudolph at the eyepiece (photo by Greg Gilbert, courtesy The Seattle Times) Click for a larger version |