Faster Than A Speeding Photon, S.H.O. Project Presses On

There’s no way to overstate the intense interest of Washington County officials in our proposed South Hills Observatory for Mingo Park. Almost as fast as we propose an idea or ask for help, they respond and offer even more help and suggestions. Here’s the latest since we reported on SHO progress in last month’s Guide Star:

• The formal lease between the AAAP and Washington County was signed by our officers during Wagman Winterfest, and was due to be signed by their County Commissioners on March 20.

• The lease includes statements that Washington County will help limit light pollution and development in the area around the observatory.

• The Washington County Tourism Bureau has offered to help promote, at their own expense, star parties and other programs at the Mingo site.

• Handicapped access is a high priority for the observatory. Plans call for a hardened (but not paved) handicapped parking space just outside the building. Other visitors will park at a lower lot, while members park at a “back” lot.

• Interest is also high in making one or both of the main scopes remotely accessible so that students and others can dial up (e.g. via the Internet) telescopic images.

• In a related vein, plans call for video camera hook-ups and monitors that will allow people standing in line to see what’s in the scope; the same type of system was tested last year at Wagman Observatory.

• Now that the basic design of the observatory has been settled (see last month’s G.S.), an architect will soon start work on the formal construction drawings.

• More money is needed for the overall project, as well as the above-mentioned enhancements. Contact John Holtz if you would like to help make the SHO a reality this year.