ASTROGRAPHIC PROJECT

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32637, 19 June 1971, Page 18

ASTROGRAPHIC PROJECT

An astrographic observatory, the first stage in a project to make the first unified photographic maps in yellow, red, and infra-red of the whole northern and southern sky, is nearing completion at West Melton, 20 miles from Christchurch.

The observatory (above) is being built for Mr F. P. Andrews, a science teacher at Christ’s College and a committee member of the Canterbury Astronomical Society. It is being constructed on a site already occupied by a 16in reflector telescope and a satellite tracking station owned by the society.

Building of the observatory began in November, by volun-

teers, working on week-ends. The observatory has, two rooms, a darkroom and one which eventually will house up to seven astrographic cameras. The roof on the camera section is built to run off to expose the whole sky to the cameras. The darkroom, which is fully insulated to within a variation of two degrees, will be used also for experiments in photographic hypersensitising techniques. The complete planning, design, and construction of the cameras, and their equipment has been done by' Mr Andrews. Of three cameras in the first series, one is complete and two are almost finished, and it hoped that the

observatory will be in use by the end of September. A unique feature of the Observatory is the built-in automatic electronic guidance system which will enable the cameras to track accurately across the sky. The system will allow the operators to process plates, do measurements or observe with other equipment at the same time as making long, one hour to four-hour exposures. It was designed to Mr Andrew’s requirements by Mr C. H. Rowe, of Canterbury University. “A photographic mapping project in blue on an all-sky basis has just been completed -by the Lick Observatory working with the University of Canterbury at Mount John,” said Mr Andrews. “I am going to carry out a similar type of programme in yellow, red and infra-red.

"The programme is in three parts, one for each different wave length. The particular bands I am selecting correspond to the standard photoelectric colours used extensively in observatories throughout the world, and compliments their work.”

Different camera lenses are required for shooting different colours. Mapping of both hemispheres has to be done with the same equipment to get all the photographs to conform completely. "The programme to map the southern sky will take until 1976,” said Mr Andrews. “I then hope to be able to extend the work by taking the equipment to the northern hemisphere so that he whole sky can be covered in the same programme.” By then the southern section maps should be nearing the stage when publication might be considered, he said.